Maxwell Intermediate School will have a brand new look and feel this school year, as all of Greenfield-Central’s fifth and sixth graders come together in one building for the first time in years.
GC’s two intermediate schools have combined into one. And while Greenfield Intermediate School was closed, it certainly wasn’t forgotten.
Instead, the best traditions of Greenfield Intermediate School will become new traditions at Maxwell Intermediate. Likewise, Maxwell’s culture and values will thrive as the new administrative team hopes to bring out the best of both schools.
“From the beginning, our goal was for Maxwell Intermediate to feel like a new school, while still honoring the traditions from both Greenfield Intermediate and Maxwell that students and staff valued most,” said Principal Bronson Curtis.
Curtis came over from Greenfield Intermediate, alongside Assistant Principal Patrick Crouch. Christine Sallee from Maxwell remains the Dean of Students, and together the trio has been striving to connect teachers of the two communities and– next– the students.
Step one was to create a new mission statement, vision and motto for the building.
“Learn, Lead, Succeed” is the motto, and its mission is to partner with families and the community to empower students to become motivated, lifelong learners who have a positive impact on the world around them.
Its vision is also student-focused: “Maxwell students, with the support of staff, will feel safe and heard, so they can become citizens who adapt, solve, collaborate, and lead with character.”
With the foundation in place, Curtis and his staff have been brainstorming how to partner together to make the new school model a success by bringing hundreds of adolescents together from across Greenfield and Center and Green townships.
Early in the summer, staff went on a team-building experience in Indianapolis and later, enjoyed a staff cookout with their families. Sixth grade teacher Caitlin Gordon said the opportunities have been great to connect outside of work and help the teachers build a stronger sense of community.
Similarly, when students come to school they’ll enjoy Cougar Camp. It will give students and staff a chance to bond while helping everyone become comfortable at Maxwell, Gordon said.
“Being part of something like this is truly exciting,” she added. “Opportunities to help build the culture of a new school don’t come along very often, and I’m grateful to be part of the process. I’m especially looking forward to seeing swimmers I’ve coached and teammates of my own children all together in one place—connections I might not have experienced otherwise. Now we’re all part of one Cougar family, and that’s something special.”
Student life will be vibrant at Maxwell Intermediate School. Clubs that were beloved by both schools will return, such as Student Council, Math Bowl, Spell Bowl, Robotics, K-Kids, Girls on the Run and National Honor Society.
Maxwell’s traditions will return, including Folk Dance Club, Level Up gaming club, Unified Robotics and Book Club. Coming over from GIS will be Gardening Club and Cougars of Character, which helps boys learn chivalry.
Dean Christine Sallee will be overseeing student clubs. She says having a wide variety means there’s something for everyone. Eager teachers willing to put in extra time for the kids is imperative.
“When students can come together with peers that share an interest, friendships and bonds can form with a lasting positive impact,” Sallee said. “Having so many enthusiastic educators that are devoted to enriching the lives of their students coming together in one building next year means we can offer a wide variety of experiences to our students. We are excited to begin offering Art Club and Choir, as well as athletics. Our sixth graders will have the opportunity to play team sports for the first time at Maxwell Intermediate, as we will be offering both volleyball and basketball for 6th grade boys and girls.”
While teachers and administrators have been collaborating this spring and summer, the building itself has seen some changes. The new mission, vision and motto are displayed throughout the building, and new bulletin boards are set up to celebrate student accomplishments.
Large photographs of students from both GIS and MIS last year adorn the hallways, in an effort to combine the culture of both schools.
There’s new lighting in the cafeteria; several storage areas were converted into usable conference rooms and student support spaces; and the stage in the cafeteria was removed. Instead, a large screen and projector are in its place, which will be used for assemblies, celebrations and presentations.
Many classrooms also received a fresh coat of paint.
“Our maintenance team did an outstanding job preparing the building for students,” Curtis said. “It will certainly be a full building this year, and we’re looking forward to additional classroom space in the future. But we’re excited about where we are today and confident that Maxwell Intermediate is ready to provide an outstanding experience for our students and families.”
The biggest concern Curtis hears from parents is surrounding transportation. Parents who drive their children to school are concerned about arrival and dismissal, when they have younger siblings attending one of the elementary schools in Greenfield..
Curtis has been encouraging parents to pick up their younger students first, and Maxwell will have staff members supervising students in the car rider waiting area.
“We’ll remain flexible as families adjust to the new dismissal routine,” Curtis said. “We understand it takes time to travel from Weston or Harris to Maxwell, and we don’t expect parents to arrive the moment dismissal begins. Our priority is making sure the transition is smooth, safe, and as stress-free as possible for families.”
One week before the first day of school, parents joined together in the cafeteria in the first meeting of the year for Parents Active with Students. PAWS plans for the new school year include dances, game nights, karaoke and more, along with ways to support teachers through appreciation gifts and academic assistance.
GC Superintendent Dr. Harold Olin said he is proud of the MIS administrative team and staff for coming together and setting the groundwork for a successful year.
Olin says the size of the school will feel small, yet be large enough to offer a broad variety in curriculum.
Transporting up to 650 students to Maxwell has required a lot of busing scenarios. Transportation Director Chad Gray started working on the puzzle in the early months of 2026, Olin said, and through persistent work a strong plan is in place.
“I understand that change can be unnerving for some people. In fact, I would say it creates a bit of anxiety for all people,” Olin said. “Change, is however, a part of our lives that we all must learn to accept and appreciate. This particular set of changes– Greenfield-Central’s restructuring– was contemplated for many months by a lot of people focused on providing our students with the best possible educational setting. I truly believe that our students are going to have a great experience at MIS.”
While the building may look a little different to returning Maxwell students, teacher Kristine Proper says the focus will remain the same: making every child feel known, supported and valued. Teachers will intentionally build classroom communities through team-building activities, learning experiences, and opportunities to connect with each other so everyone feels like they belong.
“I’m most looking forward to bringing together the strengths of both school communities and watching new friendships and traditions develop,” Proper said. “Change can be challenging, but it also brings exciting opportunities. I’m excited to welcome our students, create meaningful learning experiences, and be part of building a positive school culture where everyone feels connected and can thrive.”
By Maribeth Vaughn
“I’m most looking forward to bringing together the strengths of both school communities and watching new friendships and traditions develop,” Proper said.