Students and staff at East Middle School recently came together to celebrate an incredible two-year transformation of their school.
In early 2021, Aurora Public Schools began construction on a new two-story addition for East that houses two new classrooms, a library, cafeteria, space for elective programs and new administrative offices. The addition was completed in early 2022, but construction crews then performed extensive renovations on the remaining portion of the school.
“The first time my friends and I walked into the school after the construction was done it felt like a great space to explore and be creative,” said East Middle School Eighth-Grader Cailyn Dinkey. “I knew this came along with new opportunities and new adventures.”
The art wing, gym and auditorium in the existing building were all remodeled to modernize the spaces and make mechanical, electrical and plumbing updates. The improvements were funded by a $17 million Building Excellent Schools Today (BEST) grant and $26.5 million in funding from a voter-approved bond in 2016.
“We are truly fortunate to have a community that supports our students and wants to invest in their futures,” said East Middle School Principal Jacquelyn Brown. “We are especially grateful to the Colorado Department of Education for their generous grant that helped make this possible.”