During a quick break in the winter weather, students from Hidden River Middle School (HRMS) left their marks on the school expansion construction project in progress. Students rushed out before lunch to sign their names and draw pictures on a large beam that will become a permanent fixture in the framework of the new building.

"Over the past two years we've been making incredible progress on our bond projects that our community graciously approved," said Monroe School District Superintendent Dr. Fredrika Smith, "We've had groundbreaking ceremonies, ribbon-cutting ceremonies and now a beam-signing event. All of these events speak to the exciting changes we are making in our district."

The 23,653 square foot HRMS expansion project will add a new wing to the current building and will contain a new commons/cafeteria, kitchen, two science classrooms, two general classrooms, a visual arts classroom, and a Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) lab. The projects also includes a new jogging track and baseball and football/soccer fields, both with synthetic turf. The construction contract amount is $15.64 million (including tax).