VISD Dedicates New Middle School

Many Van area residents got a first hand look at Van’s new middle school during a dedication ceremony held in the school’s gymnasium on Sunday.

The gym was filled with a crowd of more than 300 parents, students, teachers and other community members as the doors were opened to the new 74,000 square foot building.

The new facility which has a state-of-the-art technology and security system will be home to grades four, five and six.

The school is designed for approximately 600 students with the core facilities designed for a capacity of 800 students. Approximately 500 students are expected to be enrolled in the 2008-2009 school year.

The school was constructed as part of a $37 million school bond package passed by voters in May of 2006.

The invocation was led by Ed Darragh who told the crowd that only in Van, TX could you have a turnout so large.

Van Superintendent Joddie Witte echoed those sentiments and thanked everyone for their part in making the project happen.

"This process started when the 129-member school bond task force assessed all of the district facilities," said Witte.

Many people were thanked and recognized by Witte and by executive director of operations David Goff.

"We have a vision for Van schools and that is to build good facilities and maintain them. We go the extra mile to build things that will last," said Goff.

The guest speaker for the event was former commissioner of education and former Dallas ISD superintendent Dr. Mike Moses.

"We all love children and you love the children in this district or you would not be here today. I commend this community on a job well done and I hope you feel good about the accomplishments that you have achieved," said Moses.

Moses continued by saying, "Education requires sacrifice and this community has made that sacrifice".

Moses told the crowd that the six R’s not the three R’s are important.

"Reading, writing and arithmetic are important but so are reason, relating and responsibility," said Moses.

"It is important to teach children how to count but it is also important to teach children what counts," said Moses.

State Representative Dan Flynn presented Principal Trent Goodwin with a flag that had flown over the state capital. The flag will now fly at Van Middle School.

All Van ISD students will begin classes on Tuesday, September 2.