Great Bend Middle School principal David Reiser sent notices out to parents on Tuesday, Jan. 8 advising them that construction of the new gymnasium and multipurpose room/storm safety shelter addition to the middle school located in the current south parking lot began Monday.  
Parents were advised to arrange pick-up and drop-off points at either the north end of the building or at the front entrance until construction is complete.  
Workers with Compton Construction were busy Wednesday afternoon hauling off asphalt from the former parking lot on the south side of the school.  Wheatland Electric worked with the contractor to move electrical service over the winter break while students were gone.  After the asphalt is removed,foundation work will begin.  
The new gymnasium is expected to be completed later this year by September 1, said USD 428 Assistant Superintendant Dan Brungardt.