BIG CYPRESS — Students, teachers and parents came together Aug. 9 for the Ahfachkee School meet and greet – gearing up for the first full school year with their new gymnasium.

Along with a new gymnasium, principal Philip Baer is hopeful about bringing sports back to the school, which hasn’t had teams since before the pandemic.

“They love it. They love the gym, so we’re working on bringing sports back,” Baer said.

Baer said he is going to check with the students to gauge the interest of the different grade levels.

In addition, sixth graders are moving into the middle school rotation. Baer said they were in the elementary rotation before due to space.

Baer said before the new gymnasium opened, they often had to seek other spaces and work around schedules. Now, they can host events, like the meet and greet, without being crowded.

“The kids just love the building. It’s clean; everything is new. The gym is amazing because before they had to work outside – there was no place to go – or they went across the street to the (Recreation) gym. … So, they’re just thrilled with it,” Baer said.

With the school year starting Aug. 12, parents and students got to meet with their teachers and find their classrooms on meet and greet day. Baer said he estimated about 200 students at the event. He expects enrollment to be around 225 this school year.

“It’s nice for the community to come out here and see the faces…I try to be very, very visible,” Baer said.

Students and parents filtered through various booths, like 4-H and the Boys and Girls Club, and received information and prizes from games. Big Cypress Councilwoman Mariann Billie was there as well.

The process of getting the new building up and running “was a challenge,” but they got lucky with a good construction company, Baer said. The building was completed and ready for move-in by January 2024.

“Hopefully, eventually, we’ll be able to hold community meetings here [and] all kinds of community activities. That’s the ultimate goal,” Baer said.