After approximately a little more than a year and a half in planning and construction, Charles Henderson Middle School has been in operation for the first semester in 2014-2015 school year.

The ribbon cutting ceremony and open house were held Tuesday on the school campus.

“We are enthusiastic about the grand opening of our school,” CHMS principal Aaron Brown said.

“It’s a collaborative effort of our school board, the central office, the superintendent and faculty to make this day happen.”

According to Brown, the school operation has been right on track so far this year.

“The teachers are extremely happy with the classrooms and the performance of the students during the beginning of a school year,” Brown said. “We are looking forward to the rest of the semester and the second semester as well.”

Currently, CHMS houses around 530 students and close to 40 faculty and staff members.

“Our long-term goal is to educate our students, each one, to the best of our abilities, to ensure that they will be successful in life,” Brown said.

“Our superintendent has a vision: always, in every aspects, to improve Troy City School System. And our middle school is a part of his vision, with the help of the school board and the community of Troy.”

Brown said the purpose of the open house is to welcome the parents, students and the community to look at the wonderful building that has been created for the purpose of education.

“(The kids) are 100 percent of our future,” said Wendy Watson, a parent at the open house.

“The facility will enhance their learning. The sixth-graders, class of 2020, and the teachers are really excited. Their excitement is contagious.”

Shay Hicks, another parent at the event, agreed. Hicks said the school building is “state-of-the-art” beautiful.

CHMS eighth-grader Whittaka Starks said the new school is nice, even though she expected the school yard to be bigger for more freedom to walk around.

“I love the gymnasium because I’m involved in a lot of sport activities,” Starks said. “It actually makes me want to come to school.”