Public Invited To See New High School -- Just Not Quite Yet

As Tewksbury gets ready for the start of the new school year, students, parents, staff and the public at-large are anxious to get a look at the

However, is asking the public to steer clear of the building for the time-being, while finishing touches are put on the $67 million complex.

On Wednesday, O'Connor issued a press release, urging the public to stay away from the high school campus while final work is completed.

The text of the press release read, as follows:

"Everyone is excited and anxious to see the new Tewksbury Memorial High School. So much so, that there has been a constant flow of traffic into the driveway of the new school, and several people trying to sneak a peek at this awesome facility. Who can really blame them; it is a beautiful school. Yet, amidst rumors and social media claims, TMHS is NOT open for public view yet. TMHS and the surrounding grounds is still a lively, hard hat construction site. There is much work to be done to open for the start of school. Amidst all the work going on, the new and old school is not a safe environment for young and old to be wandering about. The school department respectfully asks for the community’s patience and restraint, so that the school department, project managers and construction crew can dedicate their time towards getting this school ready for the students to attend, and then finally for all to see. We can’t wait to show it to you; we just have to wait till it is ready."

O'Connor also announced the following "key dates" in the opening of the new school:

Wednesday, August 22: Faculty & Staff (only)---move in and begin the unpacking process

  Monday, August 27: Freshman Orientation (only)

Tuesday, August 28: First day of School (All Seniors, juniors, and sophomores will have a tour and orientation to the new building on this first day of school)

Saturday, September 8: Grand Opening 9am-1pm (for all community members)

Thursday, September 13: Open House for TMHS Parents/Guardians

There will also be an official ribbon cutting ceremony scheduled to take place on Sept. 27 with numerous state officials in attendance.