In foreground from left, seventh-graders Andrew Denning and Meghan Roush, try to figure out where their next classroom is on the first day of school in South Junior High's new building, Monday, August 20, 2007.

South Junior High School students began school today in their new $24 million building.

They started a few days later than other students in the Lawrence school district because of construction. The delay allowed construction workers, administrators and teachers to prepare classrooms.

Administrators reported a few glitches but mostly smooth operations as seventh- through ninth-graders got their schedules and found their way around the building.

Tom Bracciano, the district’s division director of operations and facility planning, said room temperatures were warmer than normal in three second-floor classrooms. The contractor was checking it out.

District administrators have worked feverishly since last week to help prepare classrooms.

“I was just thankful at how quickly everything is coming together,” said Kelly Hart, a South English teacher.

Hart wore a yellow hard hat for fun. She will be working in six different classrooms until construction is complete later this fall.

“Welcome to the new South,” Principal Will Fernandez told a group of eighth graders.

Bruce Passman, Lawrence’s deputy superintendent, helped students navigate their way around the hallway to their first class. Seventh-graders were supposed to attend an orientation Wednesday, and all grades were to start Thursday.

The new South has more natural light compared to the old building’s round shape.

“Better than the old one,” eighth-grader Dallas Conway said as he entered the building.

Construction crews expect to finish all classrooms within two weeks, and the auditorium, two gymnasiums and locker rooms are slated to be done later this fall.