CCS Breaks Ground for New CJHS

Clarkston Community Schools celebrated a significant milestone with yesterday afternoon's groundbreaking ceremony for the new Clarkston Junior High School building. The ceremony marked the beginning of a multi-year construction project that promises to bring state-of-the-art educational facilities to the community.

Dr. Shawn Ryan, Superintendent, opened the ceremony with a heartfelt message of gratitude.

"This afternoon is the beginning of something very special for our community. The new Clarkston Junior High School represents a significant investment in the future of our students, staff, and community. Thank you to the CCS community for their support with the passage of the 2022 Bond! I am genuinely grateful to our community, our schools, and students are stronger because you care."

The event featured speeches from several key figures, including Board of Education President Mr. Greg Need, CJHS Principal Mr. John Bennink, and representatives of AUCH Construction and GMB Architecture + Engineering. Notably, Clarkston Junior High School and Andersonville Elementary students also expressed their excitement about the new building.

CJHS student Smith Wasilk captivated the audience with his vision of the new school.

"A new building holds the promise of innovation, collaboration, modern technology, advanced security, and even…. air conditioning. The new junior high school will reflect the historical essence of students from decades prior while still providing current and future students with state-of-the-art educational tools and multiple learning pathways."

Third-grade students Stella and Luca Voletti, Sophia Strutz, and Rosie Cary spoke enthusiastically about their future school. They will be the first class to walk the halls of the fully-completed CJHS. Some of their statements included, "We can't wait to be in 8th grade. The new school is amazing. It's so awesome, and it makes me want to stay on the weekends too. The designers did a great job! I really love the two-story gym. The learning commons is so big and pretty, and there is a lot of natural light. The new school has a lot of places for me to learn with my friends, and that is how I learn best, with others."

The ceremony also featured personal reflections from Shawn Verlinden of AUCH Construction, who shared his unique connection to the project.

"I was a part of the last graduating class from when this building was a high school. If you had told me then that I would be part of creating its replacement, I wouldn't have believed you."

Tom VanDeGriend from GMB Architecture + Engineering emphasized the student-centered approach to the design process.

"Throughout the entire design process for this new building, there was a common theme amongst the entire team, district representatives, GMB, and AUCH, and that was that every decision was made in the best interest of students."

The construction of the new Clarkston Junior High School will take place in four phases over the next five years:

• Phase 1 (2024-2025): Site work, construct new gymnasium, and install field turf.

• Phase 2 (2025-2026): Demolish the existing gymnasium and build the new two-story classroom wing.

• Phase 3 (2026-2027): Demolish existing classrooms, construct a new kitchen and cafeteria, and expand and renovate the career and technical education area.

• Phase 4 (2027-2028): Construct new fine arts and STEM classrooms.

The CCS Board of Education, President Greg Need, Vice President Elizabeth Egan, Treasurer Stefanie Crane, Secretary Cheryl McGinnis, Trustees Steve Hyer, Amanda Love and Jaclyn Sivers, past board president Kelli Horst, and Independence Township Supervisor Jose Aliaga were among the notable attendees who supported this transformative project.

The new Clarkston Junior High School will provide students with a modern, collaborative, and innovative learning environment that will serve the community for generations to come.

The CJHS is located at 6595 Waldon Road, Clarkston, MI 48346. For more information, contact CCS Director of Marketing and Community Relations Kelly Allen at klallen@clarkston.k12.mi.us or (248) 623-5460.   

 

About Clarkston Community Schools: Clarkston is a highly regarded school district with an enrollment of nearly 6,500 students. We have seven elementary schools (K-5), one middle school serving grades 6-7, one junior high for grades 8-9, and Clarkston High School, which serves students in grades 10-12. We also have a virtual academy, an Early Childhood Center serving children ages 3-5, and an alternative high school/community education facility. Clarkston Community Schools students are well-prepared for a future that excites them, and believe that they can achieve their dreams. The mission of Clarkston Community Schools is to create a learning environment where students, staff, and families are challenged, healthy, engaged, safe, and supported.