The doors to the gleaming new Benjamin Franklin Middle School opened for students and staff in the Bristol Township School District Monday morning.
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Administrators and staff welcomed students to the completely renovated Franklin building on Mill Creek Road in Bristol Township’s Levittown section.
The Franklin school underwent a $53.9 million upgrade and expansion of the building that previously served as an administrative office.
There was a “soft opening” and a phased-in strategy for instructors and students to become accustomed to the school building before the official opening on Monday.
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Twenty new classrooms were added to the 35,000 square foot addition on the Franklin building. The middle school totals 156,000 square feet.
The building features STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) areas and also learning stairs, collaborative, large group instruction spaces for each grade, computer labs, a media center, and art rooms. There is a gated vestibule at the entrance, security cameras, and card access to keep the building safe.
“There were many pieces in play that resulted in Ben Franklin being ready to open,” added Board President James Morgan. “I appreciate everyone working together to make that happen.”
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Students from Franklin D. Roosevelt Middle School transitioned to the Franklin building. The Roosevelt school is now closed and the district is considering what will happen to the building.
The district plans to hold a ribbon cutting and open house for the public on Saturday, April 15 at 11 a.m.
The community will be able to visit the school following the ribbon cutting. There will be brief remarks from administrators and invited guests. Also, the public will be able to view the project’s before and after pictures and enjoy light refreshments.
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“We are excited to welcome the community to Ben Franklin and show them how our beautiful new school maximizes student learning,” said Principal Kevin Boles.
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