Oak Grove school’s ‘rock building’ to be closed

PARAGOULD, Ark. (AP) - As the school year ends, Oak Grove Middle School is offering alumni and residents the chance to say farewell to the “rock building” before closing its doors for good.

The “rock building” was built in the 1930s to serve as the former Oak Grove High School. When Oak Grove School District consolidated with the Paragould School District in 1986, the “rock building” was used to house the sixth grade students up until now.

The “rock building” will be replaced by a new building with a price tag of $4.5 million by the beginning of the next school year.

This new building will have new classrooms, administration offices, nurses’ office, counseling office, rooms for music and art and more for sixth grade students in a more modern setting. The project was funded in part by the millage increase that also helped fund the Paragould Primary School building.

OGMS Principal Donna Singleton said at the groundbreaking in August that the “rock building” has major issues, such as lack of technology and smaller classroom sizes.

“It has been a wonderful experience to be in that building,” she said. “But the building is pretty much at its lifespan.”

Singleton said there has been expressed interest from locals and alumni in going through the “rock building” one more time before it is demolished.

Patrons are invited to visit and participate on guided tours on Sunday, May 4 and Sunday, May 18 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the “rock building.”

Commemorative photos, mugs and T-shirts with a photo of the “rock building” will be sold as part of the farewell tours. For more information on order forms, stop by the school office or call (870) 586-0483.

Singleton told the Paragould Daily Press (https://bit.ly/1gRzyP3 ) that she will miss some of the architectural elements in the “rock building,” but eventually there will be something just as memorable in its place.

“I often remind myself that buildings are not what make great schools,” she said. “Great schools are made up of terrific kids, wonderful parents, and awesome staff members, plus the support of a great community. I am fortunate to have all of that, and more at OGMS.”