Sentinel photo by ERIN THOMPSON
Students pose for a photo prior to a ribbon cutting ceremony in which a new wing of Strodes Mills Elementary School was unveiled. Shown are ‘ribbon cutters,’ front, Josi Foltz, Hannah Moist, Easton Zong, Kenley Powell, Oaklan Swarey and Matthew Hartsock; back, Easton Stonerook, Colt Ronk, Karie French, Cael Sheetz, Lucas Casner and Ayrabella Kline.

STRODES MILLS — Students piled into the hallway at Strodes Mills Elementary School Thursday morning to witness the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new wing of the school.

As part of an $8.5 million project that was completed under a Guaranteed Energy Savings Act plan, the school underwent a total renovation over the summer, which included new lighting, windows, insulation and water conservation. The energy saving renovations are expected to offset the total cost of the project.

The school’s new wing features new classrooms for art, music, library, science, technology, engineering and mathematics/makerspace, a computer lab and a title 1 classroom, as well as new handicap accessible restrooms.

The classrooms will be available for students to use on Monday, according to Frank Miller, Strodes Mills Elementary School principal.

The entire renovation process occurred in about 11 weeks, a “very aggressive time frame,” said Miller, who added that kindergarten to third grade was able to use classrooms at the start of the school year and were able to use classrooms in the new wing on Wednesday.

“I feel we are using our space more wisely,” he said.

During the ribbon cutting ceremony in which all Strodes Mills students attended, Miller publicly recognized work done by McClure Company and Hallstrom Construction, as well as maintenance staff, who helped move items in and out of classrooms during construction.

Also assisting in the construction efforts were Lepley Electric and G. R. Sponaugle and Sons in Harrisburg.

Miller said the playground was also renovated to make it easier to monitor students.

The renovation also includes new administrative offices that put the secretary, guidance counselor and principal together in the building, where the art and music rooms and the computer lab were previously located.

Additionally, he said the renovation allows for a more cohesive instructional space.

Previously, he said there were six instructors who were teaching either on the stage or in storage areas, which were not designed to be instructional areas. The construction, Miller said, moves those teachers into classrooms and frees up storage space.