Mesa middle-schoolers get their own space

While previous generations have been forced to intermingle with Costa Mesa High School students, seventh- and eighth-graders who returned to class Tuesday found a space of their own.

Newport-Mesa Unified School District trustees unveiled the Costa Mesa Middle School enclave during a ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday evening.

The enclave consists of a two-story building containing 15 classrooms, four science labs and a state-of-the-art exploring-technology room, said architect Kevin Wilkeson.

The facility also features green initiatives like water-saving fixtures and photovoltaic panels, which when placed on windows generate electricity from the sun’s radiation.

Costa Mesa Middle School is one of the few schools in the state that have incorporated PV panels, Wilkeson said.

The enclave has its own entrance and a large courtyard space with a garden area and tables.

“What happens in the walls of the middle school enclave will be crucial as [students] matriculate through high school,” board President Karen Yelsey said before snipping the green ribbon and welcoming families to the new facility.

The enclave is one of several district projects funded by Measure F, a $282-million bond measure approved by voters in 2005.

The funds also paid for a newly constructed theater, which is set to open on the campus in October.

The Corona del Mar Middle School enclave, which was unveiled in June, also welcomed its first students Tuesday.

Costa Mesa Middle School’s incoming principal, Guy Olguin, believes the building will give students a sense of pride in their campus.

“That pride will flow into other areas — like academics and athletics — as well,” he said.

Mayor Jim Righeimer, council members Steve Mensinger and Wendy Leece, and Orange County Department of Education Supt. Al Mijares were also present at the unveiling.

After the ribbon cutting, Costa Mesa middle schoolers and their families toured the $17.3 million facility.

“It smells so good in here,” 13-year-old Josiah Ziegler said after walking into a classroom. “The old classrooms smell sweaty.”

Trustee Katrina Foley said the enclave is one of many improvements made to facilities, academics and athletics that will encourage Costa Mesa parents to enroll their children in their neighborhood school.

“We had to make some changes to facilities and athletics to attract and keep families,” she said. “Schools in the Costa Mesa High School zone are competitive with neighboring districts and schools within our own district in Newport Beach.”