WINDSOR – The Phoenix has landed.

Tomorrow (Wednesday, July 11) marks the first of three scheduled sneak peeks at the new Bertie Middle School, home of the burgundy and gold Phoenix.

The school is located on US 13, across from the Bertie High School campus.

Bertie Middle School Principal Sandra Hardy invites the public to drop in and visit the educational facility, one that will officially open next month.

Hardy emphasized that no appointments or reservations were needed. Wednesday’s hours are 4-6 p.m. where visitors will be taken on a tour of the facility. Other tours are scheduled for 2-4 p.m. on Wednesday, July 18 and 4-6 p.m. on Wednesday, July 25.

“We’re proud of Bertie Middle School and we think you will be too,” Hardy said.

Hardy added that students will have their grade level orientations the week of Aug. 13. A formal dedication of the new $19 million school is set for 3 p.m. on Aug. 19. An open house for students and parents will follow on Aug. 23 (6-8 p.m.).

The first day of school for students is Monday, Aug. 27.

Bertie Middle School, which combines C.G. White and Southwestern, features four buildings. The “100” building houses administrative offices, the gymnasium, cafeteria, media center, band room, art room, choral room and three classrooms.

The other three buildings (#600, #700 and #800, respectively for the 6th, 7th and 8th grades) each will feature eight classrooms, two science labs, a resource classroom and a computer lab.

All classrooms are equipped with four computer stations, mounted televisions, built-in cabinets and telephones.

Each computer lab, as well as the exceptional children’s classroom, comes equipped with a Promethean board, ceiling mounted LCD projector and student computer stations.

Hardy stressed that all students will have daily access to technology through the computer labs, media center and classroom sets or wireless labs.

The curriculum is built around the basic academic package – language arts, reading, mathematics, science, social studies and health/physical education. Academic electives include computer education, instructional television productions, yearbook/journalism, visual art, chorus, music and career education.

The Phoenix athletic teams will include basketball, softball, football, cheerleading, baseball, track and volleyball.

No school is complete without parent/community involvement. Hardy said public opportunities in that area include PTSO (Parent-Teacher-Student Organization), School Media Advisory Council, School Improvement Team, class/club chaperone and parent workshops.

To learn more, contact Hardy at 794-6027.