Last week, our Lewis community celebrated an exciting milestone in the transformation of our campus — the “topping out” ceremony for our new 400 building. This time-honored tradition marks the moment when the final steel beam is set in place, symbolizing the completion of a building’s framework. For us at Lewis, it was also a celebration of progress, pride, and the bright future ahead for our students. Before the beam was raised, every student had the special opportunity to sign their name on it — leaving a lasting mark of their connection to our school. Although those signatures will be hidden once construction is complete, they will remain forever a part of the building’s structure, a permanent reminder that this space was built for and by our students. As the beam was lifted into place, students gathered in the quad to cheer and applaud “Bruce the Builder,” NexGen Construction Superintendent Bruce and his incredible team. The energy and excitement in the air were unforgettable — a moment that truly captured our Lewis spirit. When completed, the 14-classroom 400 building will become the new home for all English and Math classes, featuring modern, flexible learning environments designed to inspire collaboration and creativity. Highlights include outdoor learning spaces on the east side of the building and stadium-style stairs off the quad that will serve as a gathering space for classes and school events. Depending on construction timelines, we anticipate opening either shortly after spring break this school year or at the start of the 2026 school year. And the good news doesn’t stop there — our state-of-the-art music building and the new front entrance, complete with improved parking and drop-off areas, are also on track to open this summer. As we continue to build the future of Lewis Middle School, it’s fitting that our students had a hand in making history. Their signatures, now sealed within the steel, remind us that at the heart of every project, every plan, and every beam — are our students.
Principal Justin Phillips