Strasburg-Franklin Back to School Bash set for Aug. 21

The annual Strasburg-Franklin Back to School Bash will kick off Aug. 21 at 4 p.m. with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new multipurpose facility located off Tiger Drive.

Superintendent Vince Lindsey said the new facility is a celebration of the work that has been done for the past year in the district. Inside the facility are basketball and volleyball courts, softball and baseball nets, a walking track, and a weight room. The floor will allow softballs and baseballs to hit without damaging it.

“This will allow student-athletes to hold practices and be home at a reasonable time,” Lindsey said.

There also are restrooms, storage and a mechanical room. Double doors will lock so the people using the facility are not able to enter the school without permission. Designated times will be made available for the community to use the facility.

The $3 million facility was paid by COVID funds, donations from the Tiger Foundation, the district and other donations.

Beaver Construction was the construction manager at risk. Lesko Associates was hired as the design professional services. The board of education agreed to use a light-tan brick trimmed in colonial red. On the back of the outside wall of the facility is a large tiger head that lights at night.

After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, visitors can attend the other activities from 4:30-6:30 p.m. inside the school.

Aug. 21 is the first day the staff will return to school. Students and parents can meet the teachers and visit their classrooms. There will be vendors and food trucks and other information available.

The first day for students is Aug. 23.

“We want to be the best. We do everything the Tiger Way. Every second counts. We want to tell our story,” Lindsey said.