El Paso, Texas, (March 04, 2021) — Last week, VLK Architects and Ysleta Independent School District commemorated J.M. Hanks Middle School groundbreaking. This new middle school will replace two aged district schools, Desert View Middle School and Indian Ridge Middle School. The new J.M. Hanks Middle School is located at the site of the old Indian Ridge campus.

"Our vision is to transform our aging schools into 21st-century modern learning hubs," said Dr. Xavier De La Torre, Superintendent of Schools of Ysleta ISD. "Thanks to the generous support of the community, we now have the resources to make J.M. Hanks Middle School a reality — and similar to our other new schools, it will push the boundaries of K-12 architecture in providing a state-of-the-art, modern learning environment for our students."

Hanks Middle School will include STEM classrooms; an open, flexible media center; fine arts and athletics wings; and a cafetorium for assemblies and performances. There are numerous collaboration areas and an abundance of natural light and glass, allowing for learning on display across the campus. The exterior features a prominent and intricate facade that will encourage student and community pride in their new middle school.

"Thinking back roughly a year to the first meetings with students, parents, and staff where we dreamed about what Hanks Middle School could be and the opportunities it will provide the students of Ysleta ISD. Now to be here seeing that dream take its first physical steps to reality it is so exciting and fulfilling," said Clinton Schiver, Principal of VLK Architects.

The $46-million state-of-the-art facility is due to the YISD community support of the 2019 Bond. Hanks Middle School has a total building area of 175,182 SF and will serve 1,200 students, sixth through eighth. The new building will open for students in August 2022.

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About VLK Architects: With offices in Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, El Paso, and Houston, Texas, VLK Architects provides architecture, planning, and interior design services to K-12, higher education, corporate, and institutional clients throughout Texas. For more information, please visit our website: www.vlkarchitects.com or contact 817-344-0344 or tbartley@vlkarchitects.com. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

About Ysleta ISD: The 105-year-old Ysleta Independent School District is the 3rd largest school district in El Paso, serving 38,000 students in pre-K-12th grade within a diverse, family-friendly, and tight-knit community. Ysleta ISD consists of 56 campuses, including five international schools, a college-preparatory Young Women's Leadership Academy for girls in grades 6th -12th, and three Early College High Schools. More information can be found at www.yisd.net.