San Miguel Middle School Students Hold Grand Opening Of New Facility

Imagine going to school every day in a basement.

For the past seven years, that's how students at San Miguel Middle School spent their days.

"You could get distracted and now you can concentrate more," eighth-grade student Cristina Ramirez said.

Those at the school are celebrating the grand opening of their new one point $2 million facility.

It's equipped with tons of things that most take for granted, like a computer lab, smart boards, an intercom system and a working bell.

"We couldn't have fire drills very efficiently," principal Cathy Moore said. "I use to walk around with an air horn and let them know way in advance that that's what we're doing."

Bishop Edward Slattery blessed each room in the building.

The rooms have a special meaning to students, because in the past, they had to walk outside to get from class to class.

"We had to walk through the rain, the snow. We had a lot of difficult times with the seasons, but it's all good now. I love it," eighth-grader Marcela Valdez said.

San Miguel serves grades six through eight.

The school is dedicated to helping those who might otherwise fall through the cracks of the traditional education system.

Moore said it took four long years of planning and fundraising to see this dream become a reality.