The Crown Point Community School Corporation gathered together to celebrate the ribbon cutting ceremony for the unveiling of Robert A. Taft Middle School’s new location on Friday, August 4.
A new and improved school has been in the picture since June 2020 when the Board of Trustees made the request. Superintendent Todd Terrill envisioned the new location in Winfield as the ideal spot.
“I remember walking through this field with my wife when it was just a cornfield in January 2021, filled with snow and mud,” Terrill said. “I still could think about where everything could be, from the main building to the football field. To think that less than two years ago is when we first put a shovel into the ground to start working on what we’ve completed today, that is an amazing accomplishment.”
Terrill also appreciates Gibraltar Design for putting together the concept, as well as Skillman Corporation for making the ideas come to life.
Devin Lewis, English teacher at the middle school, is excited to see these ideas in the new school environment.
“This space was just asking to be filled with wonder, exploration and discovery. We can’t wait to enjoy the spirit and energy of the people in our community with this new school,” Lewis said.
Robert A. Taft Middle School was originally built in 1954. Scott Angel, president of the Board of Trustees, can’t wait to see how the new building will impact the lives of their students.
“These kids will have such a wonderful educational facility. I see the students being able to enjoy what this school has to offer for more than 50 years,” Angel said.
The new school provides a lot of renovations not just for student life in the classroom, but also in clubs and extracurricular activities. Student Cam Ng is most excited for the new auditorium.
“There's going to be a lot more space and lights, along with better air conditioning and cooling,” Ng said. “I'm in the drama club, so it’ll be really fun to spend most of my days there.”
Kuba Nurek is one of the students that is looking forward to the improvements to the physical program.
“I think that my classmates and I will be excited for the new opportunities that weren’t provided before in sports such as soccer, softball and baseball,” Nurek said. “As a member of the cross country team, I’m really looking forward to running on the new trail.”
According to Terrell, the funding for creating the new school commanded $80 million. Including additional renovations throughout the school corporation that impact the Crown Point Community School Corporation, the complete project was $350 million.
Principal Tracy Seibert said that while there are a few tasks to handle before the start of the academic year, she appreciates the staff for having patience and flexibility throughout the process.
“There’s a lot of people that have worked long hours to make this possible and it has led to something special in the community,” Seibert said. “We’re working to prepare a few more things in the upcoming days for the students and staff.”
The first day for students at the new school will be August 16.
For more information on Robert A. Taft Middle School, you can visit its website.