BALTIC, S.D. (KELO) — Students in Baltic kicked off the school year this week in a brand new high school.
It was added to the existing facility which also houses the elementary and middle schools.
“I think it’s really nice. Everyone’s really excited,” Senior Claire Berg said.
Three seniors KELOLAND News talked with agreed that the student lounge is one of the highlights of the newly constructed high school.
“Just makes everything seem more homey I guess,” Senior Jack Wilde said.
Students are also looking forward to using the new gym, which also features a walking track.
“I’m really excited for the gym to be finished, play volleyball games in there and stuff,” Senior Daynica Witzel said.
A new performing arts center is also on the way.
“I’m especially excited for the new auditorium, get to do our concerts in there and stuff,” Wilde said.
The Baltic secondary principal expects the performing arts center to be done in September.
The new high school frees up space for elementary and middle school students.
“We were starting to burst at the seams a little bit, especially elementary. Our elementary numbers are consistently growing, and we were just at that point where we were having to share a few rooms for different classes and enrollment has just been growing over the last 15 years,” Secondary Principal Dan Aaker said.
Students are still finding their way around the school.
“Just yesterday I went to the right place on the wrong floor,” Wilde said.
But it’s an exciting time to be a bulldog.
“I think being the first class of seniors to be in this school is really special,” Berg said.
