New Sylvan Hills Middle School “Tops Out”

by: Britney Morgan

“It will be a pillar in the community,” said Sylvan Hills Middle School Principal Artesza Portee during the recent celebration of the completion of the school’s construction project.

Construction on Sylvan Hills Middle School began in May 2014. Students have been attending classes at the former Parks Middle School as the temporary location since the 2013-2014 school year. A little over a year later, the project is nearing completion.

The general contractor for the project, James A. Cummings, Inc., hosted the school’s Topping Out ceremony Friday, April 17, 2015.  A mile marker celebration for construction projects, the Sylvan Hills construction team’s “topping out” celebrates putting up the last pieces of the building’s roof.

“The purpose is to take a minute and thank the team for all of their hard work and to rally support and encouragement toward the end and final push,” said Tony Johnson, project manager for James A. Cummings, Inc.

With a target completion date of July 15, 2015, there is still more work to be done in the building. Closing of the walls, installing of mechanical units, lighting, equipment and furnishings are all on Johnson’s list of things to be done.

New Classroom Wing

Principal Portee said that the Sylvan Hills community is eagerly awaiting the project’s completion.

“We are very excited about the new building,” she expressed.

She shared that everyone misses “home” and that students are constantly asking about technology, athletic fields and other amenities that will be available in the new building.

Portee said that several activities will be planned with the community, alumni and the district in celebration of the new building.The new Sylvan Hills Middle School building will be ready to occupy students, teachers and staff for the 2015-2016 school year.

Follow the progress of the school’s construction by visiting http://www.atlanta.k12.ga.us/Page/3548.