Completing a vision

Three ribbon cuttings marked the official dedication of the new B.C. Berg Middle School at a ceremony and open house Sunday. More than 150 people were on hand with many more streaming in throughout the afternoon to view the modern construction that will soon welcome students into its halls.

“It has been a long journey that started in the winter of 2013-2014,” superintendent Bob Callaghan said. “A great deal of hard work and vision has culminated in this beautiful product that is here today. A state of the art facility designed for the students of the 21st century.”

Preserve the Pride Committee leaders Travis Padget, Josh Cantu and Andy Elbert were tasked with cutting the ceremonial ribbons, dedicating the building for all of those students who will spend their formative years learning and growing within the walls of B.C. Berg. Padget spoke about how the group started with dream boards and talking about what they would like it to be and what they would like to provide for students.

“We created a space that students can learn to the best of their abilities ... teachers can do the best job they have in front of them and a building that will survive the future,” Padget said.

Callaghan also recognized the companies and groups who made the building become a reality including the Newton School District Board of Director, FRK Architects and Engineers, Farris Engineering, Inc., Bishop Engineering, Inc., Raker Rhodes Engineering, Hansen Company, Inc, Kruck Plumbing and Heating, Van Maanen Electric, Public Financial Management, Preview F&E, the Preserve the Pride Committee, the Construction Committee and district and school administration.

Doug Meyer from Communication Innovators, the company tasked with technological needs at the school, shared his experience through the building process and the pride he feels in final product.

“I have a middle schooler at home. Elementary is great because you have recess and high school is cool because you have freedom and friends,” Meyer said. “Middle school is just that one in between spot where a lot of weird things are happening so to bring these students together and allow them to focus on their education and allow the teachers to develop that intimate relationship that is so necessary to keep them engaged, I think everybody here will be so happy with the classroom technology and foresight this leadership group has instilled and put in place.”

Former school board member and Preserve the Pride Committee leaders Andy Elbert also took a moment to thank Callaghan for having the original vision for the project and the work he put in to making the new building a reality.

“He has really been taking the district in a positive direction,” Elbert said. “This was really his idea, he got everybody together and started talking about it and seeing what the district needed.”

As future students, parents, staff and community members weaved through the classrooms and spaces that make up the education center, many marveled at the carefully thought out use of every corner of the building for the kids.

“I love it. It is really fancy, really huge, really nice,” parent Irma Rocha said. “I like how they did the colors so the kids know better where to go.”

Educational associate Linda Versteeg also noted the use of specific colors to help students find their designated areas within the brand new school. Once a student who walked the halls at the old Berg, Versteeg said she is excited for the new building, but will be a little sad to see the old school go down.

“I might shed a tear or two,” Versteeg said. “(It’s a) is a beautiful building, definitely different than anything we have in Newton. All of our other schools were built on traditional (design) so this is just the totally opposite end of the spectrum.”

A few final touches will be put on the building throughout winter break. When students come back Jan. 3, the new, modern building will be ready to welcome every student and begin educating them for their futures.

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com