Note: This article is courtesy of the NH Department of Education's Class Acts program, which highlights how New Hampshire schools and students are enhancing academic experiences
MANCHESTER, N.H.- On Thursday, cheers, applause and music filled Henry J. McLaughlin Jr. Middle School in Manchester as students, educators, local and state officials, and members of the construction team gathered to celebrate a milestone years in the making: the completion of a $35.4 million renovation and new building addition.
The ribbon cutting marked the completion of a transformative project and the beginning of a new era for the Manchester School District — one that brings expanded learning spaces, modernized facilities and an environment designed to meet the evolving needs of today’s students.
The project is part of Manchester’s $306 million first phase of long-term school facility improvements and expands McLaughlin’s capacity to accommodate students in grades 5 through 8 while breathing new life into the school’s existing spaces.
The addition seamlessly integrates with the original school building, filling what was once an underutilized plaza and creating a welcoming, defined entry point and courtyard. McLaughlin began welcoming fifth-grade students for the 2024-25 school year, primarily using new modular classrooms while construction and renovations continued.
Now, students have a vibrant collection of new and refreshed spaces to learn, collaborate and explore, including a new media center, maker space, courtyard, lobby, shared learning commons, small-group rooms and expansive windows that bring in abundant natural light.
And the students made it clear Thursday that they were ready to celebrate.
During a school-wide assembly filled with music, speeches, cheers and plenty of fanfare, students applauded the completion of the project and the possibilities that come with it.
“Today, those once far-away dreams of a new, comprehensive true middle school space are a beautiful blue and gold reality,” said Dr. Jennifer Chmiel, Superintendent of Schools.
The transformation represents more than bricks, mortar and new square footage. For school leaders, it represents an investment in students and in the future of the Manchester community.
“I have seen the growth in our city schools and the growth and new beginnings of a special place where we are standing today,” said Principal Kelly Williams.
Williams reflected on the history of McLaughlin and the evolution of the school and its students.
“I want to make it known that this place has always been different. It has been the newest school in the district for 28 years. We are the only middle school that actually was developed with the middle school model in mind. The hallways and learning environments were always ones that were bright and welcoming. But, with time, we were in need of a refresh. And, with time and an ever-changing society where students need additional learning opportunities and spaces to grow, it was time to expand,” said Williams.
The newly renovated school maintains the qualities that have long made McLaughlin special while providing the additional space and updated facilities needed for the next generation of learners.
For the school community, the impact of the transformation is already apparent.
“To see the look on our community’s faces as they pull up every morning, walk our halls, come in for meetings, our open house, our athletic programs, just shows that the choice to renovate, the choice to give students a new, updated learning environment, is one that was needed and was welcomed,” added Williams. For more information on Manchester School District's Priority One Projects, click here.
For more information on the NH Department of Education, click here.
