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Many parents visited Union Grove Middle School for the first time Wednesday and -- judging from their smiles and otherwise light demeanors -- the reception could not have been better.

A quick tour of the school revealed simple pleasures for parents, students and teachers such as: age-appropriate desks, increased storage space, soundproof panels and carpeted risers in the choir room and computer and science labs.

Parents feel the school and its staff has been a blessing. "My daughter was very nervous about coming here. Now she's ecstatic about it and loves all the teachers. As a parent, I'm very relieved," said Michelle Tourtelotte.

The school exceeded many parents' expectations. Mark Prater attended Friendsville High School and said Union Grove Middle School is "a big improvement from where I come from."

Prater was amazed by all the amenities and classrooms, because there were no sports fields or even art and music classrooms at his middle school, he said. "My son has been excited (about this school) for a long time. We even drove by during the summer to take a look at it. This (school) is taxpayer money well-spent. We never had all this."

"This is a great investment for Blount County. (William Blount) High School is less crowded and we also have a ninth grade academy," added a father of one of the school's eighth-graders.

"The school is beautiful. I've been telling all the people I work with about it. A lot of money and thought has gone into this school," said Marsha Jennings.

Blount County school board member Mike Treadway also attended the open house with his family.

"This is a terrific facility. I can sense a lot of excitement from parents, teachers and administrators, and everybody has a smile on their face," he said. This enthusiasm will create a learning environment, which flows from the parents to the students and back into the school, he said.

"Parent cooperation is what makes this all work," he said. "I feel secure about sending my son to this school. He's been having a blast, and (after school on Friday) he couldn't wait for school to start (back on Monday)."

Many parents of transfer students have also felt welcomed by the school community. Jim and Marie McHargue moved their family from Thompson's Station, a town about 25 miles south of Nashville. "(Moving schools) is more challenging for a middle school parent," said Marie McHargue. "We've had very positive results. It's been awesome and very comforting."

Students also have high opinions of the school. "The school is great and my teachers are great. They are very laid-back and willing to help," said Camden McHargue. He was able to enroll in all advanced classes, and Camden feels his needs are being met at the school, he said.

Camden also likes the school's food and eating utensils, because students had to use paper plates at his old school. "It's really just the simple pleasures," his mother noted.

Teachers couldn't be happier, either. "We're all thrilled with the school, and we have a lot more technology," said Amy Chandler.

"As a teacher, I love it. This is a wonderful facility and the opening has gone remarkably well," added David Talley.