Yesterday, I was escorted around the brand spanking new Altoona Junior High School.  I'm sure you've heard about the end that's sinking, the crane that's stuck and the permits they didn't get.  What a bunch of hooey.  The new school is the state of school construction art.  There is no shrinking end.  The crane is gone.  They start next week. 

I am an ousider on this whole thing.  Afterall, I didn't attend either of the two revered junior high schools.  My children went to Keith and I liked the building, but this is different.  I couldn't begin to tell you all the ways this one is better than the stately old buildings.  In fact, if there were necessary repairs for the older buildings, the cost was going to be in the same neighborhood as this new one, price-wise.  And you'd still have two old buildings. 

This school is air conditioned.  I can't even imagine those hot days trapped inside Keith or Roosevelt.  Air conditioning isn't even an option anymore, it's a necessity.

The gymnsiums at Keith and Roosevelt were quaint, but just not functional.  There are two gyms at the new junior high, one with bleechers.  The classrooms are much bigger, there's some room to stretch out. 

The grades are separated by floor.  There is little crossing paths during the day.  The physical education and arts sections are apart from the classroom areas, but for most of the day, the 9th graders will be with 9th graders and so forth. 

The cafeteria has many options for the kids.  And, there's plenty of room for everyone.  Across 7th Ave. is the intramural field, and across that is the high school.  It's truly a campus. 

You taxpayers have gotten your money's worth with this new plant.  And, it's up to you to help prepare your children to learn what they need to live a fruitful life.  It's such a shame that kids fall through this system and wind up getting their pictures in the paper having been busted for drug abuse.  Don't let this happen to your kids, parents. 

One way you can help is to stop moaning about the loss of Roosevelt and Keith and get behind this community project to keep our students ahead of the wave of technology.  This school is a plum.  Harvest it....

Students preparing for performances...

Girls basketball practice in the second gym...

And the main gym. Note track around the top...

Trophies from Keith and Roosevelt

Mats from Keith and Roosevelt were refurbished, recoated and will catch the sweat of Altoona Junior High wrestlers in the new wrestling room...

 Three plaques, Keith, Roosevelt and Altoona Junior High

This is the courtyard where rumors claimed a crane had become trapped.  I couldn't find the crane.

Any part of the building can be seen from this security room...

Assistant Superintendant George Cardone in the cafeteria

 Computers were brought from Keith and Roosevelt.  They're everywhere...

 A beautiful library...

Labs are spacious and well supplied...

They call the kitchen the food sciences lab...