December 18, 2023
By Kelli Gile, Office of Community Resources
WALNUT, CA— Walnut Valley USD commemorated three significant construction projects at Suzanne Middle School during a December 13 ceremony.
A ribbon-cutting signaled completion of the new two-story science building and gymnasium.
“I’d like to thank our community for passing Measure WV which has made this day possible!” said Principal Dr. Amy Smith.
“Your support has enabled us to enhance, modernize, and build new facilities at our elementary, middle, and high schools,” said Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor.
“Generations of kids will get to experience world-class facilities from transitional kindergarten all the way through high school.”
“We’re truly thankful to our parents and community who supported Measure WV so that our students can continue to grow and learn in this great environment,” added Board President Cindy Ruiz.
“It’s a great day to be a Suzanne Challenger!” exclaimed P.E. teacher Keith Prager about the grand opening of the school’s first gymnasium.
The 12,000 square-foot gymnasium includes interior bleachers, full-size basketball court and two practice courts, volleyball court, wood gym floor, and attached Kinesiology workout room.
“Now we can finally have the pride and excitement to host teams, and our P.E. Department has a place that we can call home and are excited to use each and every day!”
Parents, teachers, staff, students, community members, and local officials joined the celebratory event.
Science teacher Susan Warren said colleagues enthusiastically said “yes” to providing input for the new building and sharing plans with the community.
And now they are filling classrooms with sixth grade earth science students learning about rocks and minerals, seventh graders using microscopes, looking at cells, and growing plants, and eighth graders studying chemistry and doing inquiry with physics.
The 10,000 square-foot science building features 10 STEAM-focused classrooms with collaboration work spaces.
Entertainment during the ceremony was provided by the Challenger Band under the direction of Instrumental Music Teachers Ami Garvin and Jeff Blackstone.
“Imagine with me in this moment over 400 students will be able to make music every day in a space where they have space!” Garvin said.
The new 10,000 square-foot Music Building will feature large choir and orchestra classrooms with acoustical panels and drop-down curtains, four practice rooms designed with Quiet Rock, large ensemble room, band, orchestra, and music library storage rooms, Wenger instrument storage cabinets, and offices.
Construction is slated to begin in January.
“Although we won’t be able to get to experience it as long our siblings, future generations of Suzanne Challengers will get to learn in an exciting and stunning state-of-the-art campus,” shared eighth grade ASB President Brandon Zhang.
“Thank you to everyone who has made this possible!” added Band President Kaden Wong.
Shown:
Grand Opening! Walnut Valley officials mark opening of the new Suzanne Middle School science building and gymnasium on December 13.
District officials don hard hats and golden shovels during the music building groundbreaking on December 13.
Suzanne P.E. teacher Keith Prager and students celebrate grand opening of the school’s new gymnasium on December 13.
The Suzanne Challenger Band performs in front of new two-story science building during December 13 celebration.
Construction Begins! A rendering of new Music Building at Suzanne Middle School.
Grand Opening! Science teacher Alyssia Brasinkas shows off new classroom during open house.