SHS AT 35: TIMELINE

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Okay, so we're going to jump ahead a few years to when the Pleasant Street high school finally opened in the fall of 1974. The first day of school was Tuesday, Sept. 3. It was a bumpy road leading to the opening. Windows leaked. The new SHS was called the most expensive sponge ever built. Library books couldn't be shelved because they could have been damaged. Everyone kept their fingers crossed leading up to opening day. After all, it would be the first time in years there wouldn't be two sessions to accomodate overcrowding. This was the real deal. And then, as Mother Nature chuckled, it rained the night of the 3rd. Here's how the New Britain Herald covered the first day of school in its issue of Sept. 4:

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For the first time in four years, high school students can look forward to a regular school day. The new high school opened, although not entirely settled. The main area of incompletion is the library, where books have not been moved into the area from the old high school. This was one of the areas that was involved in the water problems.
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High school principal John Gasecki said this morning that no water penetrated the library or cafeteria during last night’s rain. He said he expects the library to be ready for student use Monday, although all the books will not be in place.
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Gasecki also reported that the opening day of school exceptionally well, considering there were about 1,500 students arriving at the new building not knowing where to go. He said all students were very cooperative and within five minutes all were in their proper rooms. An assembly was held in the gymnasium this morning for sophomores so they could meet the administration.
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Meanwhile, the old SHS at 240 Main St. found new life as the town's largest elementary school...

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Central Elementary School opened with a minimum of confusion. Dr. Joseph Castagna, assistant superintendent, reported that all children were settled in their rooms by 10 after nine, which he considered an excellent accomplishment.