October - Giles High School

Tech Center Reborn by Stephanie Hall
The Tech Center has been apart of Giles county for forty years. It is
the place for taking classes such as; Health Care, Auto Technology and
Machine Technology. There are currently 184 students taking classes
there. As you may have noticed, there has recently been some
construction at the Tech Center.
Since the building is forty years old, there are multiple repairs that
need to be done. Some of the renovations include upgrading the
electrical system, the plumbing, and the heating and cooling system.
There is also work being done to the overall structure of the building.
Most of the labs in the Tech Center are very overcrowded due to all of
the equipment, so these labs are being expanded. They are also adding, a new main office area, a new addition to the Auto Tech lab,
new Health Occupations rooms and a lab, and a new Machine Technology lab.
The areas that the Machine Tech and Health Occupations used to occupy are
being turned into space for the Welding Program, the Computer Technology, the
General Education Degree program, the Network Administrator/IT office, and
the storage area.
The Renovations began on May 21, 2009, and are expected to end in
August of 2010. When all the work is done, the estimated cost of the
renovations is around $6.3 million dollars. This includes all the upgrades in the
systems, the rebuilding of rooms and labs, and the cost of workers and supplies.
The Tech Center will be improved greatly due to these renovations and surely
all the students taking classes there, and all the students to come, will agree that
this is one of the best things to happen at the Tech Center since it was built.
14
Improvements to Steven C. Ragsdale’s Field by Brianna Caldwell
The new bleacher design keeps trash and small
children from falling to the ground.
This year we have been lucky enough to get new bleachers at Giles
High School and Narrows High School. The bleachers cost the very worthwhile
and handsome sum of $1,457,274.93 for both schools. There are many reasons
behind replacing the old bleachers. The main reason is that state regulations
require that there can not be gaps or spaces in bleachers. The old bleachers were
hazardous to small children who could easily fall through cracks. Also personal
belongings often fell on to the cold wet ground far below. The wooden
bleachers on the away side were even more hazardous. Many times the
bleachers would get wet from rain and cause spectators to slip and fall. Also,
choral students, who help clean up after games, say that now the gaps are gone
from the bleacher it is a lot easier to keep the field looking neat and tidy. The
new bleachers are able to seat 2,300 on the home side and 1,000 on the away
side. Fans are interested in seeing the new bleachers, but it depends more on the
competition and weather if they will come out on Friday nights for the games. It
took about six months to complete both sides of the bleachers. Many students
say that the new seating arrangement has improved the look of Ragsdale Field
and shows more spirit since they sport the Spartan colors. Along with the new
bleachers we also have new score boards and timers on the field. We even have
a new sign in dedication to Coach Ragsdale. GHS appreciates the support from
our community and the many positive comments that have been shared with
administrators, teachers, and staff over the last few months.