Frelinghuysen Middle School's Revamp Revs Up New School Year

Frelinghusyen Middle School Principal Mark Manning isn't a man given to hyperbole.

So when he says that he is excited about something, it is clear he means it. And when giving a tour of the newly remodeled space at the Morris School District Middle School there is a lot to be excited about.

The changes began over the summer by moving the Community School Offices and Child Study Team offices to new modular buildings (see them in the photo gallery attached to this post) that have been placed on the grounds of the middle school.

"These are permanent. I don't call them trailers," Manning said.

And in reality, they aren't. The structures may have been erected quickly but they are not going anywhere.

"People think of trailers as something you can drive up and hook up and tow away," Manning said. "Obviously this is not the case."

The new modular offices have also have the benefit of having a great view of the tennis courts and baseball field.

Back inside Frelinghuysen, the new space was quickly converted into five new classrooms and one renovated classroom. Students will also be greeted by two new small group instruction rooms, a pair of renovated science labs, and a renovated nurses office.

"Last year I told Dr. [Thomas] Ficarra and the board that we were getting tight on space," Manning said. "And they responded. Now, looking at projections as far as we can look, which is down into kindergarten, we should be ok."

The new classrooms feature all of the standard classroom configuration one would expect and some feature new innoventions as well.

"You can see some of the classrooms are set up differently," Manning said. "They are geared specifically for group work."

Indeed some of the rooms have circular table with a "lazy susan" whiteboard (photos attached to this post) in the middle to facilitate projects.

"One student starts the problem and then you can spin it and pass it along," Manning said.

But one of the biggest changes was the aforementioned science lab upgrades. According to Manning, the staff was 'estatic' to say the least, but it wasn't just the update of equipment and design that pleased the teachers. There was one other key factor in their enhanced disposition.

"Air conditioning," Manning said, as the new construction required it to be installed.

According to Manning, the improvements have helped reenergize the faculty for the new school year.

Not that the school before was anything to sneeze at. Situated on 60 acres with athletic fields and room to grow without crowding Frelinghuysen is in an enviable spot.

"I'm living the dream," Manning said. "I'm really very lucky."