With classes back in session, students in the Massapequa Schools have definitely taken notice of the facilities overhaul funded by the district's approximately $50 million bond project, and are eagerly awaiting the hook-up of the brand new computers that now furnish every classroom.

As part of bond work done this summer, every classroom throughout the district received between three and five new computers, as well as a large screen monitor at the front of the classroom that will eventually enable live, district-wide addresses from the superintendent. As crews put the finishing touches on the renovations, wiring for the hook-up of the new technology is expected to be completed within the next few weeks.

Asked if they were excited about the new computers, a group of third grade students in Mrs. Kathy Pullen's class at Birch Lane Elementary School responded with smiles and widened eyes, during a classroom interview Tuesday. "I want to play math games and science games," said one student, Mary, glancing at the equipment.

The students were welcomed back to school not only by the computers, but also new doors, windows, and ceilings, among other renovations. "The windows looked way different," observed Birch Lane third grader, Amanda, "and the whole school, actually."

The Massapequa Schools bond project was carried out in two phases, with the first phase last summer and phase two this summer. It is, for the most part, complete, except for the computer hook-up and "punch-list items," that the general contractor has spotted for correction, such as a crooked ceiling tile or scratched pieces of furniture, according to Bob Schilling, spokesperson for Massapequa Schools central administration. "We really have to hand it to the entire staff. Everyone was very cooperative, and we got it all done," Schilling said. "And, we opened on time." He noted that crews had worked around the clock to ensure that the buildings were ready for the first day of school, Sept. 6.

The historic overhaul is the largest the district has ever seen. Phase 1 saw the re-opening of the Ames School, complete with a new roof, interior, and technology. This phase also included new roofs, windows and doors for the district's other schools, and new hall lockers for students at Berner Junior High School.

Phase 2 provided $11 million in new technology for all schools other than Ames. In addition to computers and monitors in all classrooms, the schools' computer laboratories have been equipped with between 20 and 25 computers each. Among other improvements throughout the district were: more window and door work, new lighting and ceilings, modernized general offices, new gymnasium floors and new bleachers in the high school gymnasium. In addition, the faculty lounges were modernized and furnished with private cubbies, in which teachers have access to computers and telephones. The auditoriums at Berner and McKenna Elementary School were also refurbished.

With the majority of the bond work done, the district's biggest job now is to get the computer systems up and running, and instructional staff trained to use them. The district has put together an intensive staff development plan to train teachers to use to equipment properly, according to Schilling. "That's going to occur during the course of this year, and ongoing," he said.