School and community pride was on full display on Nov. 12 as students, families, staff and community members came together to celebrate the building’s official rededication.
Following years of construction and more than $41 million in renovations, the ceremony provided an opportunity to show off the new spaces and thank those who made the building renovations possible.
The rededication ceremony officially commenced with remarks from Superintendent Carl Mummenthey, Iroquois Middle School Principal Tom Fyvie and Board of Education President Jessica LaFex. They were joined by local and state leaders including Niskayuna Town Supervisor Erin Cassady-Dorion, Senator Jim Tedisco and Assemblymember Phil Steck, who all spoke passionately about Niskayuna and the future of education.
“This rededication is a promise kept by the district and our Board of Education—a testament to Niskayuna’s commitment to offering the best educational experience to all of our students,” said Fyvie.
A plaque, which will be permanently on display in the building, was unveiled at the ceremony to commemorate the renovations and rededication of the building.
To officially recognize the completed construction work and rededication of the building, seventh grader Emmaline Martin cut a ceremonial ribbon with fellow Iroquois students Allison Blemel and Owen Couch.
Once the ribbon was cut, families and community members were eager to engage in self-guided tours of the new spaces. Students and teachers enthusiastically discussed how the upgrades are already enhancing their learning and teaching experiences.
One of the most popular locations on the community tours was the brand-new music ensemble suite, which allows students to participate in school day music instruction at Iroquois Middle School. The suite features state-of-the-art acoustic ceiling and wall paneling and has a modernized instrument storage space.
Along with a new music ensemble suite, upgrades to the building included a two-story addition that made space for 20 new classrooms and collaborative spaces. The renovations included relocating the library media center and creating a new art classroom, technology classroom, counseling center and nurses’ office.
A new fire alarm system, basketball courts and resurfaced walkways were also included in the renovations.
The work was part of the two referendums voters approved in February 2021 and February 2024 aimed at modernizing spaces to enhance student experiences and improving infrastructure and building systems districtwide.
Upon construction completion at Iroquois, the district successfully began the comprehensive process of reimagining middle level education. All students in grades 7-8 began attending Iroquois this school year. Our commitment to improving our middle level experience will continue this year as construction as Van Antwerp Middle School takes place over the next two years.
“Thanks to these renovations, Iroquois Middle School is a cutting edge learning environment,” said Mummenthey. “This significant project would not have been possible without strong community support and our district’s ongoing dedication to excellence in education.”
Learn more about the Our Schools, Our Future capital project and reimagined middle level education.
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