Grand opening of new high school gym in Newtown only the beginning for students

The grand opening of a new high school gymnasium in Newtown has marked a new chapter for students at Marple Newtown.

On Friday, the school opened its new gym, part of a $68 million high school renovation and addition project, according to the Daily Times.

The gym was unveiled in style, featuring a music video created by more than 500 students and staff.

The new gym, decked in the school’s colors, is only the beginning. The Daily Times reports the project, which is 80 percent complete, includes re-using nearly 97 percent of the current building. As a result, the project will yield 27 new or revamped classrooms and science labs, an extension to the cafeteria that includes a cafe and food court and a remodeled main office and library.

The school’s auditorium, according to the Daily Times, will also get a face lift with a ticket office and additions that include new band, orchestra and choral suites.