Students attending biology and other life science classes at Orcutt Academy High School now have a new facility in which to do their experiments.
On Oct. 29, the Spartans hosted a grand opening ceremony to show off the charter school’s brand new classroom and lab on the Orcutt Junior High School campus.
Associated Student Body President Casi McIntyre had the honor of cutting the ribbon, and was joined by biology teacher Kristin Bornhoft, who also addressed the crowd of about 300 people.
In an interview after the ceremony, Bornhoft told the Sun that students could be learning in the new classroom as soon as Nov. 2.
“We’re very excited,” she said. “There are a few lessons I’ve been wanting to do, but couldn’t because we didn’t have enough space or sinks. Now we can.”
Also after the ceremony, Principal Alan Majewski led a school tour for members of the media and the public.
In an e-mail to the Sun, the district’s associate superintendent, Ken Parker, said “the lion’s share of funding for the classroom came from the territory transfer almost two years ago when the Casmalia School District transferred … into the Orcutt Union School District.”
Other sponsors include Plains Exploration and Production Company (PXP); Dick Weldon, attorney at law; and the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians Foundation.
“In this economy, partnerships are what make things work,” Parker said in the e-mail. “This is yet another example of how community partners have made things work.”
School Scene is compiled by News Editor Amy Asman. Information should be sent to the Sun via fax, e-mail, or mail.
This article appears in Nov 5-12, 2009.
