It was back to school Monday morning at Haas Middle School. And for about 400 students and staff, today was the first day attending a full school day there.
Before this school year, those students went to Cullen Middle School. That school, known for its open hallways, closed its doors because of a population decline.
Now, the middle schools are consolidating. Former Cullen students have the chance to learn at a different school in a newly-renovated building.
To accommodate the extra students, an additional win has been built at Haas with another band hall and more science and computer labs.
Cianna Martinez, an eighth-grader at Haas and a former Cullen student, said the layout and size of her new school is the biggest change.
“I like that it’s all indoors ’cause all the classes are together and you don’t have to worry about being late because they’re all in a square,” Martinez said.
Others say the change in schools is going to take some getting used to.
“It’s kind of weird with the changes,” Micah Garcia, a seventh-grader and former Cullen student, said. “Because it’s coming to a different school and all the changes and hard knowing where you’re going.”
Some new students are taking a more pragmatic approach.
“I don’t know, I mean it’s alright I guess,” Layla Carrion, another seventh-grader and former Cullen said. “I don’t really like new schools. I like just doing one school.”
But all say they’re excited for the new experience and the chance to meet new friends during the school year.
“I’ll be able to come here and stay longer, and then I’ll be able to go into eighth grade and finish up,” Garcia said.
CCISD plans to tear down Cullen Middle School. There is no word when it will happen.
