The landscaping is unfinished, as are ceilings in some classrooms. The nameplate was just installed. But classes are in session at Mountain Ridge Junior High School.
It is the newest school in the Alpine School District. Mountain Ridge, 5525 W. 10400 North, opened classes Jan. 18, despite the fact the school was only 75 percent complete.Most of the construction, except landscaping, will be wrapped up this week. District and school leaders held an open house and dedication ceremony Monday evening to officially welcome the school as a unique educational center and community asset - one that cost the district nearly $13 million.
Currently housing 958 students in grades seven through nine from Alpine and Highland, Mountain Ridge has 45 full-size classrooms, including two modern computer labs, an arboretum and technology centers, plus a full-size gymnasium and a library that eventually will serve as a community library for Alpine and Highland residents.
"For a brand-new school, (Mountain Ridge) has already developed its own identity," Principal Sheldon Worthington said. "Our kids are very proud to be here, and the community has really gotten involved. It's been great."
At times, though, it appeared the school might never be finished or named.
Residents whose students attend the school voted to name it Highland Junior High, but members of the Alpine School Board voted 3-2 to name it Mountain Ridge last year, leading to threemonths of squabbles between residents and board members.
Then construction delays and other difficulties postponed the school's original opening date for two months. However, crews finally began moving in equipment and furniture during the Alpine School District's Christmas
break. Residents logged 2,500 hours of volunteer service to make the move much easier, Worthington said.
Prior to moving to the new school, the students and faculty and staff of 55, including 30 teachers, had been conducting school in much tighter quarters - portable units at American Fork Junior High.
"When we moved in, the kids were swinging their arms and spinning around because things had been so tight," Worthington said. "The first day, when the kids came in, things kind of looked like a giant amoeba."
During the dedication program, American Fork residents Robert and Kaye Hall gave a history of the school site; student body President Brock Doxey presented a time capsule containing clothing, music and other items pertinent to the times, which will be hidden somewhere in the school for 10 years. Assistant Principal Terry Hill introduced the school's mission statement, and the school's concert singers, concert band and orchestra performed musical selections.
Other events included a silent auction of donated items from local patrons, including sports gear autographed by by Ken Griffey and former Los Angeles Raiders tight end Todd Christensen, who lives in Alpine, as well as various art pieces. Funds raised from the auction will go toward purchasing and installing the school's Parent-Phone Link System.
PTSA and school officials also held a book fair where residents could purchase books to keep or donate to the school's library. Proceeds go toward the library fund.
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Additional Information
Mission statement
"The mission of Mountain Ridge Junior High School is to welcome young people into an environment of learning through academics, responsibility and service, molding each individual into a positive contributing member of our changing world, guided by the efforts of school, community and family."