SOCSD Middle School Tour

Board members with the Starkville Oktibbeha Consolidated School District toured the new partnership middle school.

This fall will bring a new school year and for some students... a new school ábuildingá this morning, board members with the starkville oktibbeha consolidated school district toured the new partnership middle school.

Our cash matlock was there for the tour and has more on the new state- of-the-art facility.

Video in monitor aundrea, all of 6th and 7th grade will be housed in the new complex.

Members of the partnership say the new campus will maximize educational opportunities and allow students to develop 21st century learning skills.

The partnership school project has been in the works for almost 6 years.

Now, the building is nearly complete... but superintendent eddie peasant says getting here hasn't been easy.

"we've had a lot of challenges along the way, mostly with weather, and some other, as far as cost changes, due to inflation and those kinds of things."

The facility is made up of two floors, with sixth grade on the bottom level and seventh grade on the top.

In each hallway..

There are what educators call "pods" "inside each pod is an english, math, science, history, and computer teacher.

We also have numerous exploratory classes and fine arts that the children can choose from for electives."

School board member wes gordon has children of his own that will be among the first to experience some of the school's new amenities.

"my oldest is in the band, and we just got done touring the band hall, the fine arts area, and it was incredible.

It's beautiful.

It's definitely one of the show pieces in this facility."

In addition to fine arts, students will get hands-on experience with agriculture-- thanks to a nine hundred thousand dollar grant from blue cross blue shield.

"they're putting gardens in the courtyard area, and all of the downstairs classrooms have access to that."

"our students are exposed to a healthy diet.

Not only what a healthy diet is but how to grow healthy foods, and learning about all things involved with agriculture in our world."

Middle school students aren't the only ones utilizing the new campus.

Mississippi state university will also have classrooms and offices in the building.

"anyone taking classes in this building from the college of ed can come and take a look at what we're doing in the classroom."

"we're not only exposing our students to innovative opportunities in their learning, but we're also giving future teachers hands-on experience in a school building where they're able to observe students and teaching first hand throughout their time as they're learning to go into the profession."

Board members say the new environment is sure to have a positive impact on students and future educators alike.

"i think this facility just allows them to maximize the teaching potential, and the learning potential of all the students."

The school board is still discussing how to move forward with procedures regarding covid-19 and social distancing.