Pasadena Unified Celebrates New Sierra Madre Middle School with Ribbon Cutting, Gym Dedication on Wednesday

Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) Superintendent Brian McDonald and Board of Education Clerk Larry Torres will join other PUSD board members, representatives from the Sierra Madre City Council, Sierra Madre Middle School (SMMS) students, teachers, parents, and Sierra Madre residents at a ribbon cutting ceremony and celebration of the new Sierra Madre Middle School campus Wednesday, May 25, 2016 at 5:30 p.m.

“This occasion allows Sierra Madre Middle School to look back on its past achievements and at the same time celebrate the completion of its new buildings for future success,” said Superintendent McDonald. “The new facilities support the cherished culture of community and excellence that characterizes Sierra Madre and grooms future generations of well-rounded and civic-minded youth to become distinguished leaders in our community.”

The $28 million campus consists of classroom buildings with 20 classrooms, a performing arts center, gymnasium, visual arts labs, science labs, music rooms, library, administration area, and atrium. Other features include playfields, classroom technology support, energy management systems and new furniture.

The celebration will include the dedication of the gymnasium in honor of retired principal Ty Gaffney, who led Sierra Madre School from 1998 to 2006.

“I have known Ty Gaffney since my daughter first enrolled at Sierra Madre Elementary School in 1998,” said Board Member Larry Torres. “Ty’s professionalism, leadership and vision were fundamental in transforming both Sierra Madre schools into the jewels that they have become. I cannot think of a more deserving honor than to name the new gymnasium at the middle school after him.”

The school’s Open House, including tours of classrooms, follows.

The new campus has the capacity to serve up to 600 students, including residents living within the SMMS attendance boundary, middle school students enrolled in district’s Mandarin dual language immersion program, and other students from across the districts who apply via PUSD’s open enrollment process.

Construction of the new campus was funded by Measure TT, the $350 million school bond initiative approved by voters in 2008. More information on Measure TT can be found at www.measurett.org.

The project was designed by PBWS Architects and built by Sinanian Development.

Sierra Madre Middle School Groundbreaking Ceremony will be held on Wednesday, May 25, 2016, 5:30 p.m. Ceremony, 6:15 p.m. Open House, at Sierra Madre Middle School (160 North Cañon, Sierra Madre).

Pasadena Unified School District, 351 S. Hudson Ave., Pasadena, (626) 396-3606 or visit www.pusd.us.