Braintree's East Middle School Opening 2 Days Late

BRAINTREE, MA — Summer vacation has been extended for students at East Middle School. The school is in the middle of a $81.3 million renovation project, and in order for the classes to be ready for students, the first day of school has been delayed two days. Students will start on Friday, Sept. 6 while the rest of the district begins Wednesday, Sept. 4.

An addition was added to the school with the goal of moving fifth grade classes to the building by next year. Old classroom were modernized and more work will be done on the building throughout the year. The plan is for students to start September in a new addition to the building, as well as 12 renovated classrooms, from the existing building. School officials said the delay ensures that the new and renovated areas of the building are clean and ready for the students.

"The work to prepare for the opening of school this year has been complex, as the newly built areas of the project, along with certain renovated portions of the existing building, are tied together and completed for students and staff," school officials said in a statement. "Beyond the incredible learning spaces and technology-rich classrooms, everyone can also look forward to a fully air-conditioned building!"

The delay will not add makeup days to the end of the year, school officials said. Instead, there will be "alternative learning opportunities" to make up the time. School officials said details on these programs will be given at a later date.

A sneak peek walk through of the new renovations was originally scheduled for this Thursday, but has since been postponed to 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 5.