September is a time of new beginnings. This year, the newly expanded Jericho School District middle/high school complex will open its doors on Tuesday, Sept. 4. A ribbon cutting ceremony has been planned to celebrate the completion of the magnificent new facilities that are now available to students at both the middle school and high school.

The ribbon cutting will take place on Thursday, Sept. 6, at 7 p.m. in the front circle of the middle/high school complex. After a brief ceremony, residents will be invited to tour the facility with student guides. Additions include a new state of the art middle/high school library complex, an enormous new three station gymnasium with expanded locker facilities. 18 new high school classrooms, 9 new high school science classrooms/labs and prep rooms, support space, and 10 new middle school classrooms. Internal changes include expanded middle and high school guidance offices, new middle and high school computer centers, an expanded independent research facility, enlarged middle and high school learning centers, middle and high school elevators for handicap accessibility, a second middle school cafeteria, upgrading of lighting and ventilation systems, new intercom and sound systems, and a new outdoor all-weather track.

The expansion of facilities at the middle/high school complex are the result of q $25 million bond referendum that was approved by voters in November of 1998. Construction began at the end of June in 1999, with a scheduled completion date in the summer of 2001. The district will be opening the completed facility according to a very aggressive time schedule that was planned two years ago. "We are extremely pleased that our facilities are ready for the start of school in September," said Jericho Superintendent of Schools Hank Grishman. "An enormous amount of effort by so many people was necessary for the project to move ahead in a smooth and timely fashion. We would like to recognize their contributions as part of our celebration. We encourage members of our community to join us on Sept. 6 for an opportunity to see the many additions and changes that will surely enhance the high quality of instruction that Jericho provides to all students."