Tentative dates set for open houses at Pulaski County Middle School

Construction of Pulaski County Middle School is about two weeks behind schedule due to the recent COVID-19 outbreak at the worksite. But things continue to move forward toward a Sept. 21 opening day.

“Things are going really well at the school. It’s exciting,” said School Board Chairman Timmy Hurst.

“We’ve got some tours we’re going to try to plan so the community can see what they’re getting for their investment, and I firmly believe everybody is going to be very pleased,” he added.

Thursday, Sept. 17 at 3 p.m. is the tentative time and date for the official ribbon cutting ceremony for the new middle school.

That ceremony will be followed – tentatively – from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.by an open house event for parents and students of PCMS.

The next day, Friday, Sept. 18 from 2 to 6 p.m. is the tentative date for an open house for the public.

“Because of the COVID-19 outbreak at the worksite, construction is about two weeks behind,” said School Superintendent Dr. Kevin Siers.

The county’s first day of school is Sept. 8 – the day after Labor Day.

That means middle school students will have to start the new school year with virtual instruction until PCMS opens its doors to them on Sept. 21.

“Our plan will include middle school students showing up here at Pulaski County High School to be issued their Chromebooks and the material they will need to spend their first two weeks in all virtual learning so we can make sure we have a completed school for them to move into,” Siers explained.

Paving, topsoil replacement and the laying of sod is being done at the construction site along with bleacher installation in the gym and other construction inside.

By MIKE WILLIAMS, The Patriot