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Clad in super hero capes and masks, enthusiastic teachers and staff gathered in the foyer of the new Lawson Middle School to welcome students for the first day of the 2018-2019 school year.

Lawson Principal Kasey Bailey said the costumes were a reminder to students and parents of their power to move the campus forward and conquer obstacles that stand before them.

“It’s a new era of academic achievement” Bailey said. “Lawson’s academic status is now ‘Growth Distinction.’ We are no longer ‘Improvement Required.’ That alone has given us the additional boost of excitement preparing us for this new academic achievement.”

Lawson is one of 40 schools, including 29 high schools, that was renovated or rebuilt as part of the voter-approved 2012 Bond Program. The $66.2 million school was completed this past summer. It was built adjacent to the existing building, which soon will be demolished to make way for new athletic fields.

The 197,093-square-foot facility features a dining commons, two modern gymnasiums, and a central courtyard where students and teachers can gather for individual or group collaboration.

“I love the new concept, the pods, and how it’s introducing a college campus feel to our students,” Lawson sixth grade reading teacher Nicolette Grant said.

After months of preparation, Principal Bailey said it was exciting for students and staff to finally be able to walk the halls of their modern, state-of-the-art school.

“We give HISD our great thanks for the resources and support to make this day a reality,” Bailey said.

Construction is underway at more than a dozen campuses. More than 70 percent of all projects are complete, and that number is expected to top 80 percent by the end of 2018. Once all projects are finished, HISD will have one of the most modern portfolios of urban high schools in the country.

Follow @Build_HISD on Twitter for the latest updates on the 2012 Bond Program and school construction across the district.