South County Middle School Holds Open House

Hundreds of students, parents and neighbors checked out the  on Tuesday night for its first-ever open house. The verdict: the school is big, new and empty.

In fact, the home of the Mustangs received little criticism from future attendees. "I like it!" said rising seventh-grader Lily O'Donnell. "I like how big it is. I like the big lockers. The classrooms even seem bigger than South County Secondary." 

Dan Storck, the school board representative for the Mount Vernon District, was all smiles.

"This is a dream come true, and it's hard work realized," he told Patch. "It's such a wonderful feeling to know that a group of people in the community can come together and make a real difference in their schools and lives." 

Rising eighth-grader Ethan McCloskey said he felt confident while he walked the halls for the first time. "It's pretty cool. I'll be in the first class graduating from here, and I like feeling like the top dog," he said.

was pleased with the turnout. "People are happy and excited that the school is so beautiful. And that's what we want -- a beautiful, clean and well-lighted place," she said.

Next Steps

The school won't stay empty long. Office and classroom furniture are being moved in next week, and cafeteria tables and lecture hall furniture are coming in July.

Latin, French and special education teaching positions are still available, Manning said.

And in August, activities at the school will begin, notably with the seventh grade orientation and the Mustang Roundup -- a full day for families to gather all of the information needed for the start of classes.