Katherine Johnson Middle School’s new campus is ready for take-off

Katherine Johnson Middle School welcomed its campus in a way that can only be described as, “out of this world!” 

On Dec. 19, families, staff and community members gathered at the school’s new campus to launch a rocket in honor of new beginnings, and the school’s namesake.

This new facility marks a significant new beginning for Katherine Johnson students and staff. Since the middle school was founded, it has shared a campus with Encina High School. Starting Jan. 7, these students will begin their journey at their own brand-new campus.

“There is no better tribute to [Katherine Johnson] than this school, than this campus that honors these students who are going to be the next generation of mathematicians, engineers and astronauts. That’s Katherine Johnson, that’s the Astros, that’s your school,” said San Juan Unified School District board president Ben Avey.

The ceremony began with remarks from Katherine Johnson staff, students and community members. Attendees shared in the excitement of speakers, as each speaker shared what they look forward to most at their new campus.

• “I’m very excited to see our new classrooms and I’m very excited that we will be the first ones to graduate from our new campus,” said eighth-grade student, Arizbeth Vera Cerna.
• “I’m excited to have our own school, and not be an extension of the high school,” said eighth-grade student Emily Raglin, “I am very much looking forward to a great second half at the school year at this new campus, I think it’s great that our teachers have a new place to help us grow and learn.”
• “What I look forward to the most is having our own soccer field and our own gym. And secondly, is being able to walk around the whole campus without worrying about crossing a divider that separates the middle school from the high school,” said eighth-grade student Tiahna Mathis.

After the spoken remarks, attendees gathered outside under the stars to launch a rocket as an homage to the school’s namesake, mathematician, Katherine Johnson, who was a pivotal figure in the United States’ first space flights. The rockets were provided by community partners, JP Aerospace and the Aerospace Museum of California, who also hosted science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics activity tables for students after the ceremony.

Families and community members explored the new campus, including their students’ new classroom locations, administrative office and library after the ceremony. Each student was given an autobiography of Katherine Johnson as a commemorative keepsake of their campus grand opening.

While students are eager for winter break, they are equally as eager to begin school at the new campus on Jan. 7. 

View a Facebook photo album of the event here.

San Juan Unified School District is grateful for our community who continue to invest in our schools through voter-approved bonds. These 21st-century standard facilities are the foundation of a secure and distraction-free educational experience for all students and staff.