Video: Armstrong Middle School Prepares For Merger

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STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – Only a few weeks are left until the state mandated consolidation of Oktibbeha County and Starkville schools takes effect.

The middle and high school campuses are expanding and preparing to house hundreds of additional students this fall.

Construction work fills the hallways at Armstrong Middle School, all to accommodate more students.

After the consolidation, the middle school’s enrollment will grow to over 1,000 students.

Despite the higher numbers, Principal Timothy Bourne says class sizes should remain the same.

“Because of hiring new personnel, we’re able to keep class sized down to where it has been, 20 to 24 kids,” said Bourne.

Oktibbeha County’s 6th, 7th and 8th graders will all go to school at Armstrong.

Bourne says consolidation gives students more learning opportunities they haven’t had in the past.

“We’re glad we have the opportunity to provide all of the courses we offer to the 6th graders coming in, the robotics class, the drama, chorus, art, band,” said Bourne.

The plan to keep 6th and 7th graders at Armstrong will stay in place, until the new Partnership School is built at Mississippi State. Then the students will be moved there.

Bourne says it’s also a good learning opportunity for college students.

“It’s almost going to be a laboratory school where the university can really provide some action research, live research going on, on new teaching strategies, new methods in order to increase student learning,” said Bourne.

And although some remain anxious about the big change, Bourne plans to make every student feel welcome this fall.

“We’re excited about impacting the lives of children, that’s why we’re here. The number one reason why we’re here,” added Bourne.

The consolidation will take effect on July 1st.

A summer orientation will be held for students and parents at Armstrong.

Categories: Local News

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