J.L. Long Middle School is abuzz with excitement as the community rallies to raise $165,000 by May 29, 2015, for much needed remodeling of the Boy’s and Girl’s locker rooms.

Principal Danielle Petters and Athletic Director Jennifer Garcia, both of J.L. Long Middle School, agreed to take on the challenge by dying their hair blue and pink (respectively) on the last day of school if the money is raised by next week.

“Middle School is such an important time in our students’ lives and our goal is to provide all of our students with opportunities to work really hard at something they love,” said Petters. “At Long, we strive for excellence in everything we do – academics, athletics, and fine arts, to name just a few.  In order to make excellence a reality, we need the resources to make excellence a continued reality for our students and our community.”

J.L. Long Middle School was built in 1933 and updated in 1959. The air conditioning system and boiler were revamped in 2013, however the locker rooms are still reflective of the early 1900’s.

Robert Blumenstock, parent of a J.L. Long student, is calling the community to action to raise $165,000 to remodel both locker rooms.

“The overall condition of the locker rooms is remarkably bad,” said Blumenstock who was horrified by the conditions. “Dads at J.L. Long got the ball rolling to create new plans to improve the space in the locker rooms, but we need the community’s help.”

There’s two ways to donate – visit www.friendsoflong.com, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization comprised of fathers of J.L. Long students; or www.gofundme.com/LongLockers.

“Once we have the facilities updated, it will last for decades and promote pride in our school,” said Blumenstock. “It will take everyone’s help to meet this goal!”

Friends of J.L. Long goal is to support the broad-based needs which benefit the entire student population, now and in the future.