A couple weeks after thieves damaged Buchanan Middle School in pursuit of stealing copper materials, the school is projected to open Sept. 14 — one week behind the normal Michigan school start time.

Supt. Andrea van der Laan said in a press release last week that opening the school on that date hinges on an inspection by the fire marshal Wednesday.

“Our maintenance department, administration and a few of our teachers have been allowed into classrooms to start putting away their materials,” she said Friday. “We will continue to work over the weekend and throughout next week.”

Van der Laan said ventilation systems had been repaired and that the air conditioning and water systems are up and running.

During a walk through of the building Thursday, van der Laan said she saw classrooms being carpeted and ceiling tiles being installed.

Middle School orientation is set for various times Sept. 10 at the high school auditorium. The schedule is as follows:

• 5:30 p.m. seventh grade

• 6:30 p.m. sixth grade

• 7:30 p.m. fifth grade

“We will be giving you an update on the progress at the Middle School, you will get schedules and students will meet their teachers,” she said. “At this time, school is still projected to open on Sept. 14.”

All other schools in Buchanan start classes today.