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Construction Milestone at Mann Middle School

Graduating Eighth Graders Proudly Celebrate Construction Milestone at Horace Mann Middle School
Posted on 06/13/2019
Horace Mann Middle School New Building

June 13, 2019

SAN DIEGO - Newly graduated eighth-graders who broke ground on the Whole Site Modernization project at Horace Mann Middle School in March 2017 commemorated the new three-story classroom and administrative hall with a ribbon-cutting Tuesday.

Students spent their years learning growth, teamwork, and equity, but they also watched the debris of the old classrooms transform into a now modernized landmark on the border of the El Cerrito and Colina Del Sol communities.

“It's an honor to be part of the class that watched this structure turn into something that will benefit this community for years to come,” Eighth-grader Devonte Allen said.

Demolition of existing buildings, framework of the new building, & the now complete hall

In photos: demolition of existing buildings, framework of the new building, & the now complete hall.

Now complete, the community's new landmark holds a brand new health center. This health center is the latest example of San Diego Unified's commitment to improving the well-being of students and staff, as outlined in the wellness initiative.

Watch: KUSI News Coverage of Horace Mann Middle School's Ribbon-Cutting

Construction began in early 2017 for the whole site modernization, which included a 32,000 square-foot administrative and classroom hall. An outdoor dining courtyard with four shade structures is taking shape just behind the three-story modernized hall.

“These eighth-graders helped break ground on this project,” Vice-Principal Erica Herrera said. “We are so grateful for this opportunity to enhance our aging campus that not only gives students and staff the best possible workspaces, but also inspires our students to excel.”

Staff and Students at Ground breaking and ribbon cutting on completion of classroom hall

Left: Devonte Allen (right) and his peers at the groundbreaking ceremony in March 2017. Right: Devonte (middle) and the same peers joined Vice-Principal Erica Herrera and San Diego Unified Board President Dr. Sharon Whitehurst-Payne to cut the ribbon on the completed classroom hall.

Other improvements include outdoor lighting, security cameras, a new fire alarm system, a campus-wide public address system, new visitor parking, upgrades to an existing parking lot on 54th street at Trojan Ave., and a brand new student drop-off and pick-up area.

Students penned thank you cards to the construction team for the new classroom hallAbove: students penned thank you cards to the construction team for the new classroom hall.

“I have said it before and I will say it again: what the voters have done is given all of our students and community members something to be proud of,” San Diego Unified Board President Sharon Whitehurst-Payne said.

To read more about the San Diego Unified facilities planning and construction projects, like the one at Horace Mann Middle School, visit fpcprojects.sandi.net.