MPMS Cafetorium is grandios
Jan. 13—Community thoughts "Our son went there back in the late 80s. Glad to see the improvements!" — Rich Heiland "I've taught here for 10 years and the new cafetorium is wonderful! Lots of natural light and a stage — something we haven't had for years. The serving lines are more efficient to allow students more time to eat and socialize. The new entrance was built with modern security in mind and allows us to better monitor for safety. A very welcome change all around!" — Amy Beers
Change isn't always easy, in fact, it can be daunting and exciting at the same time. However, the addition of the new Mance Park Middle School cafetorium is nothing short of spectacular.
Mance Park Middle School construction design was approved in December 2021, unanimously by the Huntsville Independent School District's Board of Trustees.
The schematic designs for the enhancements and expansions to the school, which was originally constructed in the 1960s, was one of the biggest education construction projects in a $127 million bond package that voters approved.
"PRIDE is our mantra here at MPMS and to see the pride in our staff and students faces as we opened up our new cafetorium this week was absolutely priceless," said MPMS Principal Josh Campbell. "Students were in awe of its grandeur and available space and shared their appreciation in so many ways."
Campbell added that he felt truly blessed to live in a community that has the faith and trust in MPMS staff and students to continue the improvements of the district by passing such a bond.
"This facility represents so much more than a gathering place, it personifies a partnership between parents, patrons, staff and students in a continued effort to improve the lives of our students each and every day. The treasured memories that will be created in this new space is what we most look forward to and we express our gratitude to our taxpayers for providing this opportunity," Campbell said.
District leaders budgeted $27.7 million for the Mance Park renovations and additions, which will included modifying the campus to accommodate 6th grade students in 2024-25. Once completed, the campus will be home to all 6th through 8th grade students within Huntsville ISD.
Key aspects of the Mance Park project included repurposing the Support and Learning Center into classrooms and support spaces. Contractors have been renovating the entry vestibule, expanding the band suite, gyms and athletic facilities and repurposing the existing kitchen and cafeteria into education spaces.
The most visible project to the public has been the demolition of the condemned auditorium, which sat at the front entrance of the school.
That is where the new cafetorium now sits. All construction on the middle school is scheduled to be completed by the start of the 2024-25 school year.
"We look forward to providing the community an opportunity soon to visit the space and welcome it to the hive," Campbell said. "However, it is only fitting that we honor this induction of our new cafetorium with the comment from one of our MPMS Hornets, 'Mr. Campbell, this new cafeteria is bougie.'"
