Caledonia Argus

Fifth, sixth graders visit new school

Posted: 6/4/02

By Shannon McKinney
Argus News Reporter

Fifth and sixth grade Caledonia Area elementary students received a personalized tour of the new middle school/high school Thursday, May 30.

It was the first time that many of them had ever set foot in the school.

The tour of the middle school portion was given by ISD #299 Superintendent Percy Lingen, who was once principal to the elementary students.

After receiving strict instructions not to touch any of the construction items along the way, the two groups of 70 grade school students got to see new ceramic tile being laid in the commons, which will be a shared high school/ middle school lunch room area and a place to hold middle school dances.

Students were able to see boys and girls rest rooms. Lingen said toilets will flush by themselves and hand washing areas will be located outside the bathrooms. ìSo everyone will know if you washed your hands or not,î said Lingen.

Students saw the room that will hold a CLS (Creative Learning Lab) which will allow students to do robotics and aeronautics on the computer.

Caledonia is only the third school in the state to have such a computer lab.

Students were shown where they will have their own lockers.

No tape or sticky stuff will be allowed in the lockers; only magnets are allowed, said Lingen.

She pointed out the cigarette butts on the floor and said since this is still considered a construction zone, the workers are allowed to smoke in the building.

However, as it nears completion, and things are cleaned, up smoking will not be allowed on school grounds.

Lingen pointed to the gym room showering facilities that there will be and some private stalls for girls to shower. Otherwise, it is open showers.

Questions at the end of the tour for fifth grade students include whether students could chew gum in the new school. Lingen informed them that the same rules for the old school still apply to then new school. No chewing gum will be allowed.

The nature of the questions of sixth grade students differed than the younger grade.

One student wanted to know why laser beams were being used in construction.

Lingen explained that laser was a method used to insure the accuracy of measurements.

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