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Driving Progress: Rockwell Middle School Project Update

Shady Side Academy’s ambitious plan to build the new Rockwell Middle School is rapidly moving forward and progressing on schedule, thanks to the hard work of our dedicated team and construction partners. Set to be completed by January 2026, the project has already reached key milestones, including the structural steel phase, with work on track to finish soon.

Senior Project Manager Theresa M. Giacomino, who is overseeing the project for PJ Dick, is optimistic about the timeline, saying, "The last piece of steel went up on October 16, and we are now beginning to detail the steel. This phase should wrap up by mid-November, and we expect all the steel work to be finished by Thanksgiving, which keeps us ahead of schedule."

Highlighting the progress made, the team recently celebrated a significant tradition in construction—the "Topping Out Ceremony" on October 15. This event, which marks the placement of the final steel beam, brought together the construction team, lead donors S. Kent Rockwell ’62 and his partner, Pat Babyak, and Academy leadership including Academy President Bart Griffith ’93, Chief Philanthropy Officer Jamie Scott ’98, Head of Middle School Michelle Merson, and Director of Facilities Paul Francioni.

Tim O'Brien, Co-CEO of PJ Dick, Trumbull, and Lindy Group, emphasized the importance of this milestone, saying, "This is a significant day in terms of the scale of the project. Today’s progress is another step towards realizing the vision of this remarkable facility."

The final beam, bearing the signatures of those involved in the project, was raised into place with a Christmas tree and American flag attached, symbolizing good fortune for the future of the building.

In addition to the construction progress, another key effort happening concurrently is the process of selecting furnishings for the new school, a collaborative endeavor involving significant teacher input. Head of Middle School Michelle Merson shared insights on how teachers have been central to shaping the learning spaces. 

"This isn’t just about selecting desks and chairs," Merson explained. "It’s about creating spaces that support how middle schoolers learn best. Teachers are asking big questions—how do I teach? How can we foster the best learning environment for middle school students?"

The design process has involved backward planning, with departments thinking deeply about their teaching methods. "Teachers are considering things like how many labs they do, what kind of storage they need, and how their classrooms can best support their activities," Merson added. The furniture company Kay-Twelve is partnering with SSA and Strada to create these purpose-driven spaces.

To ensure the right fit for students and teachers, the Academy will introduce a pilot classroom in the current Middle School at the start of the new year. This space will showcase various furniture and design options, allowing both students and faculty to reflect on what works best. "It’s important for us to get this right, so we’re carefully testing everything to understand how the furniture and layout help—or hinder—the learning process," said Merson.

As Shady Side continues to work toward the completion of the new building, faculty and administration are also developing plans to celebrate the transition. "We’re working on ways to say goodbye to the current Middle School and welcome students, families, and faculty into the new Rockwell Middle School in a way that’s engaging, celebratory, and centered around the middle school experience," Merson shared.

Shady Side Academy’s community continues to enthusiastically support the Rockwell Middle School project. Jamie Scott ’98, Chief Philanthropy Officer, expressed gratitude for the backing the project has received, saying, "We are thrilled that our community’s enthusiasm for the Rockwell Middle School has resulted in over $20 million in gifts and commitments raised towards what is estimated to be a $26 million project. I look forward to continued momentum and community support in the final phases of the project."

As construction continues, the hardworking project team and the Shady Side community remain united in their commitment to bringing this transformative space to life. With every milestone, the vision for Rockwell Middle School is quickly becoming a reality. The future of middle school education at Shady Side Academy is bright, and we look forward to opening the doors of this extraordinary facility soon.

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