New Glendale Middle School bigger, better

This week, 900 students will walk into a shiny new Glendale Middle School facility that is not only bigger and better but built specifically with more natural light to help improve learning.

But even in its first year, some classrooms will be held in portable units to accommodate enrollment.

Three years ago the school at 1300 South and Navajo Street was bursting at the seams in a too-small, outdated facility with no air conditioning and small classrooms. This year students will be in a much larger state-of-the-art facility that supports a small learning community model and is designed to celebrate diversity.

"I challenged our architects to build the best building they have ever built in their life because my kids and this community deserve it," said principal Ernie Nix. "They have gone beyond my expectations."

The 150,000-square-foot facility took two years and $15.7 million to build.

The classrooms, labs and media centers are all equipped with large windows allowing the maximum natural light. Nix said he requested that design because research shows that students who are in classrooms with a lot of natural light progress faster in math and reading. Plus, he said, it makes the school more open and inviting.

The building also boasts an 800-seat state-of-the-art auditorium, a dance room, fitness and weights center, and band, orchestra and choir rooms.

Nix said the school will be able to ramp up many programs like drama, dance and fitness as well as open up programs to the community.

A design of intertwining ribbons flows through the school's corridors, outside and even in the landscaping and artwork crafted to represent the diversity within the school.

"In Native American culture the weaving of the ribbons represent cultures and groups coming together — our school is a microcosm of the world," Nix said, noting that about 25 different languages are spoken at the school.

At Glendale, 90 percent of the students are minorities and 90 percent are also low-income. Nix also is aiming at 90 percent proficiency on standardized tests and said that the newfound pride the kids have in the school after their visits at the end of last school year and this summer will help.

"Before, the kids kind of looked at the old school like a ghetto school, but not anymore," he said. "Now there is a sense of pride that wasn't there before and that is going to help us immensely."