The beginning of the school year always brings changes: new teachers, new subjects new classmates and new clothes.

But the 2010-11 school year will bring the most drastic change to Jemison, where the new intermediate school will open its doors for the first time.

The Chilton County Chamber of Commerce will sponsor a ribbon cutting/open house ceremony for the new school, which is located adjacent to Jemison Elementary School on County Road 44, from 2-4 p.m. on Aug. 15. Tours will be given of the facility.

However, for this year at least, the school won’t actually be the intermediate school. Instead, the building will house Jemison Middle School. The Chilton County Board of Education’s plan is still for Jemison to include four schools, but the middle school moving to the new school for a year will benefit everyone involved.

Parents should take advantage of

The current middle school building, which is adjacent to Jemison High School, is in dire need of renovation. The gymnasium, which is more than 70 years old, will be a major project.

Some of the repairs would be difficult, if not impossible, to complete while school was in session. Students and teachers spending the year in a different location will allow workers to make sure Jemison Middle School is ready to welcome back all the familiar faces next school year.

Going ahead and getting some bodies in the new school, meanwhile, will give school officials the chance to work out some of the kinks, especially related to traffic before and after school.

When the actual intermediate school opens next year, parents will have a better idea of how to navigate around the school.

The intermediate school will house grades 4, 5 and 6, meaning both the elementary school and the middle school will be relieved of a grade. The change will mean more space for everyone.

With the construction of one school, the whole community of Jemison has been improved.