Renovations are nearing completion at Iroquois Middle School and construction is ready to begin at Van Antwerp Middle School, taking Niskayuna’s middle level one step closer to a new beginning.
The goal is to create modern, collaborative spaces in both middle school buildings, which will benefit students beginning in fifth grade. District residents overwhelmingly approved two capital projects in 2021 and 2024, which provided the funding for the middle school construction.
Iroquois Middle School
At Iroquois, a new two-story addition houses four of the seven grade level
teams. Each team area includes a new science classroom, four flexible core area classrooms, a resource room, and breakout space where students and staff can collaborate and work together.
The rest of the building has been renovated in a similar manner, with 20 new classrooms and breakout spaces that reflect the look of the new addition. Iroquois students are benefitting from a new library media center, new art and technology rooms, and a music suite with ensemble spaces, which will open later this spring. The school also has a renovated counseling center, nurse’s suite, faculty area, and an outdoor basketball court.
Van Antwerp Middle School
Van Antwerp Middle School work is expected to begin in late spring or early summer and will include renovated classrooms, a new cafeteria, and music ensemble spaces similar to Iroquois.
“This work at our middle schools has been in the planning phases for more than five years, and seeing it come to fruition is exciting for our community, staff and especially our students,” said Superintendent of Schools Carl Mummenthey.
In addition to building updates, a committee has been working on redesigning the middle school curriculum and community building and transition activities. More information will be available later this spring about orientation events for families and students.
Middle school transition timeline
As capital project work continues, changes will take place beginning in the 2025-26 school year.
2025-26 and 2026-27 school years:
- Elementary schools will continue to house students in grades K-5.
- All sixth graders will attend Van Antwerp during renovations. Construction will be done in phases to minimize disruption.
- All seventh and eighth grade students will attend Iroquois.
2027-28 school year:
- Elementary schools will house students in grades K-4.
- All fifth and sixth graders will attend Van Antwerp.
- All seventh and eighth graders will attend Iroquois.
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