MUSKEGON, Mich. — Muskegon Public Schools is excited to kick off the new school year with a brand new middle school for students.
While typically held at the high school, the district held its Return to Learn fair Friday afternoon at the new Charles Hackley Middle School campus ahead of its first year in use.
Muskegon mom Shena Mack came to the fair with her 8th and 4th grade children. She told 13 ON YOUR SIDE, "I feel proud, especially as a Muskegoner," and, "it's just amazing to see what they did with the hospital and the way that they made it for the kids. I think that is a blessing."
The more than $30 million school will host about 900 children. On campus, children will find a media center, football field, science labs and 11,000 square foot gym.
Superintendent Matthew Cortex said security was also a huge focus in building the new school.
"The fact that we had that concentration from before laying the first foundation all the way through the last tile, really influences the perspective of removing that fear from students so that they have the ability to learn in an environment that isn't distracting them," he said Friday.
Mack also said Friday, "I think this should build us together, and this is going to be great for the kids. Again, it's all about the babies."
This year's graduating class will be the 150th for the district.