UES opens — a little late

Students didn’t return until Monday so that workers could complete installation of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system.

By: Nick D’Amore
   The newly renovated Upper Elementary School opened a few days later than the rest of the district, but the students were still laughing and chattering excitedly just as they would be on any other first day of school.
   The rest of South Brunswick’s students returned to their classrooms Sept. 6, but UES students didn’t go back until Monday so that workers could complete installation of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system. The project included new drop ceilings that had to be installed, along with new ductwork and rooftop units.
   Many students said they enjoyed having classes in the newly built addition and renovated school.
   "We have new hallways and bigger lockers," said sixth-grader Paige Dennis, 11.
   The addition was part of the $46.99 million bond referendum in 1999 that paid for 11 classrooms, a new cafeteria, two music rooms, a computer lab, two science labs and an auditorium.
   The kids also enjoyed having a few extra days off to cram in some last minute summer fun.
   "I went to Six Flags," said Kayla Negron, also an 11-year-old sixth-grader.
   Gowri Narsimhamurthy, 11, said it was good to have more time to relax before school, but she was glad to come back.
   "It gets boring, staying home," she said.
   Her brother, Gopal, sitting a few tables away eating lunch with his friends said he was glad to be in the new classrooms, but that he had a headache.
   William Lee, 12, said it was good to be back at school, but that there were "too many girls" in his class.
   Amogh Sanji, 11, said he wished it was still the summer and not fall because "school opens in fall."
   The kids had some complaints, such as their hot classrooms but, in general, they were happy to be back.
   The children were soon alerted by staff supervising their lunch that they had five minutes left to eat. The announcement was met by a chorus of groans.
   The staff reminded the kids to be careful walking around because of the ongoing construction inside and around the building. They also reminded the new sixth-graders of their new status as upperclassmen, telling them to remember to clean up after themselves.
   Jeff Scott, assistant superintendent of business, said UES still has some work yet to be done yet. The library still needs some furniture, which will be delivered by October. Another cafeteria and auditorium are still being built and will also be finished in October. A staff lounge should be finished next week.