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Design team seeks community input on interior graphics, mascot and signage for new Middletown school
Summary
Architects and the cultural/historical subcommittee presented interior graphics options, discussed salvaging artifacts, proposed involving students and teachers, and proposed a January follow‑up to advance themes and sign approvals; the high school is pursuing two mascot options funded by students.
Architect Matt of HMFH told the committee the cultural, historical and memorial subcommittee met recently to review examples of interior vinyl graphics used in other local schools and to inventory materials gathered in prior historical‑society work. He said the subcommittee will reconvene in January to develop initial themes, identify artifacts to be salvaged and reinstalled, and recommend other stakeholders to involve, including teachers and students.
Colin, HMFH’s graphic designer, walked the committee through types of projects and locations for graphics, describing examples at Saugus Middle‑High and Chapman Middle School and noting the subcommittee would spend the winter developing concept options. "We'll develop some initial ideas ... the gist of our work would happen most likely over the spring and summer of next year to develop those graphics," Matt said.
The committee discussed whether to use modern or historical maps and which local landmarks to highlight (surf spots, parks, the windmill). Several members urged inclusion of community input; one member said they had begun compiling a slideshow of local icons to share with the design team.
High School Principal Donna Sweet said the high school community has pooled funds for new mascot artwork and presented two design directions that will be shared with students for feedback before any purchase. "A couple of graduating classes have pooled their money together," Donna said, describing two proposed mascot images — a wave‑based design and a more traditional islander/boater figure — that will be refined with student input.
Committee members also discussed signage and a district color palette (referred to in the meeting as "Middletown Blue" or "Islander Blue"). The chair emphasized that any change to school logos should be routed through the school committee to avoid conflict with the design work already underway.
Members raised the idea of a visible time capsule incorporated into the new building; Matt said the design team had ideas for a cylinder‑style, publicly viewable capsule and would include that in future discussions. The subcommittee will reconvene in January to refine themes and return proposals to the building committee.
The discussion clarifies that final signage and logo approvals rest with the school committee; the design team will proceed with concept development and stakeholder outreach over winter and spring.
