Multipurpose Room Is Back in Service

For the staff and students of Lawrence Middle School, three long years of holding assemblies, dances and performances in the gymnasium, cafeteria and wherever else they could find space has finally come to an end.

In three ribbon-cutting ceremonies Wednesday--one each for the sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade levels--the student body celebrated the opening of the school’s renovated multipurpose room. Banners and balloons in the school’s red and white colors welcomed the students as they filed in to take their first looks.

Lawrence was heavily damaged in the Jan. 17, 1994, Northridge earthquake, leaving the multipurpose room red-tagged and off limits to all but construction crews. For three years, school officials said, the large, dark room near the school’s front gate has been a constant reminder of the destruction and dislocation caused by the temblor.

“Having this put back together is symbolic,” said Assistant Principal Brenda Winter. “It means a lot to the students. It will allow them to have a more normal school experience.”

With about 500 students in each class, the three assemblies Wednesday filled the new room to near capacity. The students listened as administrators thanked them for their patience and lauded the new building. They were also treated to performances from the school’s award-winning band and two solo vocalists.

“I have never been in this room before. In fact, none of these kids have been in here either,” said Principal Scott Schmerelson, who took over at Lawrence last March.

“We’ve been holding our school plays in the gymnasium where everyone had to sit on the floor. Having the multipurpose room back will make those types of events much more enjoyable for everyone,” Schmerelson said.

“All the time I’ve been here we haven’t had this,” said eighth-grader and student body president Stacey Nowak, who will graduate in June. “It was like, ‘This is the multipurpose room, don’t worry, you won’t be going in there.’ ”

Sixth-grader Mallory Simonoff said she was glad the room was fixed before she joins the band next year.

“I think it’s cool. We’ll get to do all our concerts in here. It will be much better than having them in the gym.”