Cheers went up Tuesday at the site of the new Crescent View Middle School.

Surrounded by arches of blue and white balloons lifting and bobbing in the afternoon breeze, a gathering of current and future Crescent View students, local dignitaries, and the Canyons Board of Education and Administration celebrated the start of work on the new school.

Even though work on Crescent View started several months ago as the result of a fast-tracked construction schedule, Canyons Board of Education Vice President Sherril Taylor told the crowd why the CSD Board and Administration wanted to press forward with a groundbreaking ceremony.   

“We’re holding this event for several reasons,” Taylor said, “First to celebrate the fact that this day has finally arrived. For many of us, it’s been a long time coming – too long, in fact. I have no doubt that many of you wondered if this day would actually ever be realized.

“Yes, the land we’re standing on was purchased in 1994 for the purpose of building a middle school in Draper,” he said. “And now, 18 years later, Canyons District is proud to celebrate with you the start of work on a new and improved middle school in Draper. “

Students, teachers and staff at the new Crescent View will enjoy a 700-seat auditorium; an expanded cafeteria, kitchen and a spacious commons area; three academic wings that will house high-tech classrooms; a gymnasium with two full courts, 12 basketball hoops, two large locker rooms, two fitness rooms dedicated to dance and strength training, and an elevated indoor running track with a special surface for running; fully integrated computer suites and a media center with green screen TV production studio; a music suite that includes an instrument, band and choir rooms, practice rooms, offices and a music library.

“That’s just amazing,” said Dr. Paul McCarty, a member of the Canyons Board of Education. “I’m so excited for our children to attend this school, and I’m proud to be part of this project on behalf of the community.”

On the day it opens, the new school, 13133 S. 1300 East, will become the first traditional public middle school in Draper. It is being built with the help of a $250 million bond approved by voters in Canyons District. Passage of the bond allowed CSD to start an ambitious construction and renovation schedule that has crews working in all parts of the District.

“On behalf of the Canyons Board of Education,” Dr. McCarty said, “I’d like to thank all of the people who saw the Board’s vision for our schools and have worked with us to provide a world-class education for our children.”

While plans are still being discussed, the Board has talked about using the existing CVMS building as an CSD educational facility well into the future. 
 
This year alone, Canyons District opened two renovated and new schools – Albion Middle and Midvale Elementary schools. Three others are now being built, including the new Corner Canyon High School in Draper, which will open in fall 2013.

Stay up-to-date on the latest news about Canyons District’s construction and renovation plans at our “Building With Purpose” Web pages or on Facebook.