AMS West Opens Its Doors

Much has changed in the 15 years since Avon Schools last celebrated the opening of a new school (River Birch Elementary) in 2010. Most notably, more than 2,200 additional students are enrolled. A critical component of our effort to make room for more was the construction of a new middle school and the realignment of our school corporation into k-5 elementary schools and 6-8 middle schools. 

On Tuesday, July 22, a large crowd of students, families, educators, staff, administrators, friends, neighbors, community leaders, and partners gathered in front of Avon Middle School West to celebrate a ribbon cutting ceremony that marks the beginning of a new era for our school corporation.

Principal Dan Chapin was the first to share with the gathered crowd. He has allowed us to share his comments here.

Good afternoon, everyone! What an exciting day it is! I am Dan Chapin, and I am honored to be the founding principal at Avon Middle School West.

I have the privilege and honor of leading the transition to turn this building into a school. We all know a building only becomes a school when it’s filled with students and teachers. Principal Dan Chapin

Thank you for being here to help us officially open this beautiful new building.

Exactly 665 days ago, a crowd about this size gathered not far from where we stand now to break ground on this project. Those 95 weeks, or just under 22 months, have flown by. In that time, hundreds of skilled professionals have worked together to bring this vision to life. From architects and designers to project managers, heavy equipment operators, steel workers, brick masons, pipe fitters, electricians, carpenters, tile setters, glaziers, roofers, painters, carpet installers, furniture installers — and so many more. Each person played a vital role in creating the space we celebrate today.

I’ve been fortunate to witness this building take shape from the ground up. And I have the privilege and honor of leading the transition to turn this building into a school. We all know a building only becomes a school when it’s filled with students and teachers.

Tomorrow, we’ll welcome hundreds of students and their families to our first Oriole Preview Day, giving them their first look at their new school. On Friday, we will welcome 62 outstanding educators as they begin their first official workday here at Avon Middle School West. And next Wednesday, we’ll open our doors to 842 sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-grade students for their first day of school.

Today, we celebrate more than just the opening of a new facility — we celebrate the beginning of a new journey. A journey where our students will explore who they are, discover what they love, and begin to shape who they will become.

Today, we celebrate more than just the opening of a new facility — we celebrate the beginning of a new journey. A journey where our students will explore who they are, discover what they love, and begin to shape who they will become. Dan Chapin

To our families and community members: Thank you for your unwavering support and belief in the power of public education.

To our teachers and staff: Thank you for the passion you bring to every lesson, every hallway conversation, and every challenge. And thank you for your commitment to excellence, not just in academics, but also in the way you care for our students and for one another. I’m truly honored to walk alongside you. Together, we’re building something extraordinary.

And to our students — this is your school! A place where you belong, where your voice matters, and where every day is a chance to learn something new, and an opportunity to grow into the amazing person you're becoming. This is your space to explore, to create, to lead, and to shine. So bring your energy, your curiosity, and your dreams—because this year, we’re going to do incredible things together!

Thank you!