The halls of the new Brewton Middle School filled with the chatter of children for the first time Thursday night as sixth- and eighth-graders visited the school for an orientation.
Construction is still going on, but Principal Doug Prater — who could barely contain his excitement — said the school will be ready for students Monday.
“Isn’t it an amazing place?” he asked students and parents gathered in the new cafeteria. “I’m at a loss for words as to how this place makes me feel.”
With shiny new equipment, bright red lockers and freshly painted walls, the school is likely to be a showplace for the Brewton City Schools system.
“We are still under construction,” Prater said, noting that finishing touches are being made to the two gymnasiums, which he hoped to see pass inspection by Monday.
“There is still so much to learn. I don’t even know how to turn the lights off yet,” he joked.
After some housekeeping notes — such as where to park and where to drop off and pickup — students and parents filled the halls to take a peek at the new classrooms.
Eighth-grade math teacher Myra Tatano said teachers had about a week to set up their classrooms.
“I can’t believe we’re this lucky to be in a place so nice,” she said. “We have plenty of space, plenty of desks, plenty of storage.”
The new Brewton Middle School is located on U.S. 31 North at Old Castleberry Road.
A new turn lane near the location, and a new traffic signal will be in use Monday. City officials said it would be up soon but not operational until school begins.
Classes begin for Brewton and Escambia County students on Monday.