It’s the same, yet it’s different.  It’s new, yet it’s similar to the old.

Hays Middle School, formerly Felten Middle School,  is now the only public middle school in USD 489.  The doors opened Thursday morning for the first half-day of classes in a new academic year.

Longtime Felten MS principal and now Hays MS principal, Craig Pallister, welcomed an anticipated 600 or so 6th, 7th and 8th graders.  Other familiar faces already in the building were many of the faculty and staff from Kennedy Middle School which USD 489 closed in May.

“We’re really excited about all the additional opportunities available in classrooms, sports and other activities,” said Pallister.

To make room for the additional students this fall, a 7,280-square-foot metal building addition has been constructed on the northwest corner of the building.

Hays Middle School retains the Felten Falcon mascot and yellow and black school colors.

See more from principal Craig Pallister and assistant principal Shanna Dinkel tonight on Street Beat Eagle Community TV Channel 14.