It had been a year in the making, and Flat Rock Middle pulled out all of the stops to officially open its newly renovated media center and broadcast studio on December 13.

Now students at the school have a state-of-the-art media center equipped with computers, big screen monitors, tablets, and a 3-D printer. The technology has been paired with flexible furniture, giving students comfortable learning spaces that promote creativity and collaboration.

The broadcast studio also got a makeover with the latest broadcasting tools so that students can gain hands-on experience using industry standard equipment.

Students, staff and parents at the school expressed their gratitude for their new learning spaces.

“You have taken us from basic to innovative,” Dr. Tarchell Caruthers, a sixth grade math and science teacher, told county office administrators and school board members in attendance.

About a year ago, the school’s faculty and parents started working on a business plan to remodel the media center, which they eventually presented to the Fayette County Board of Education and received approval.

Following the ribbon cuttings for the media center and broadcast studio, eager students showed guests how they use the new equipment to learn, explore and create.

The Flat Rock Middle Symphonic Band provided music entertainment prior to the ribbon cuttings. Hors d’oeuvres and refreshments were served to guests afterwards.

Dignitaries in attendance included Fayette County Public School Superintendent Dr. Joseph Barrow; school board members Diane Basham, Leonard Presberg, and Scott Hollowell; assistant superintendents Mike Sanders, Dr. Terry Oatts, and Tom Gray; Chief Technology Officer Jim Farmer; Digital Learning Services Coordinator Kate Crawford; Social Studies Coordinator Becky Ryckeley; Title I Coordinator Dr. Charisse Windom; and Facilities Director Mike Satterfield.