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If Albuquerque Public Schools' new spokeswoman Monica Armenta is ever going to have a second, third, or fourth thought about coming on board, it's probably right about now.

As reported, and expected, former APS Police Chief Gil Lovato has thrown down. While not exactly as tabloid-worthy as hinted, it'll be more than a distraction for all involved.

Be that as it may, the opportunity for some welcome relief for Armenta and anyone else at APS will be the opening of the new West Side high school, Volcano Vista — now home of the Hawks, as voted by the incoming kids - out on Rainbow Boulevard Northeast. There's much to celebrate with this school.

And, during a recent visit, a lot of memories for me, as well.

I had the pleasure to be one of those rare kids who attended both a brand new elementary and middle school back to back, lo, those many years ago, and I can tell you there's nothing like a spanking new school to elevate the spirit.

I clearly recall thinking about how my books were the first to find a home in my locker, my hands the first to caress the desk, and so on. These kinds of thoughts can lead to an elevated sense of importance for a kid.

It cuts across all involved; staff, coaches, administrators — anyone and everyone.

Imagine being a librarian with the quiet moments spent planning and building a space for the ages. That librarian will have some time at Volcano Vista since the library won't be built for another year, but you get the point.

This is a reason to get up and go to work. Same for coaching on a brand new sod surface, which was to be installed the day after my visit. The cafeteria, the gymnasium — every nook and cranny brand new.

Also coming in 2008 are a media center, a lecture space, and a fine arts and music wing. If some of that strikes you as frivolous, I'd caution that. I recall, as well, my new middle school had an amphitheater and lecture hall, akin to those at a community college.

It hit some of the parents as a joke, but we adored it. I felt like a college kid in the sixth grade.

These high schoolers will be prepped to walk the college walk. It means something.

The project's a bit of a chuckle when you consider this area, after being so desperate for a new high school, will vault over nearly every other high school in the city in its modernity.

These kids will never forget the experience. I didn't. When I think back to my school days, it's a shimmering vision. I was spoiled.

Reality came crashing in when I attended a decrepit high school that was quite possibly the worst-ever building for learning in history.

As projects go, Volcano Vista is a doozy. It's massive. It's also architecturally interesting, even at this stage with just the ninth-grade wing coming on line this fall. Keep in mind this is the largest project in this city since the Big-I. No small matter and, given the timeline and stakes, no small task.

I met Tiffani Bradley, the project manager for Gerald Martin Construction, the contractor on the project, who says without a shred a hesitation, "Oh yeah, without a doubt," about making the scheduled Aug. 8 grand opening.

You have to be impressed. I've kicked around the building trades some, and the moving pieces at play at Volcano Vista are daunting.

Standing in her on-site office, it also hit me this project just may be the city's largest ever run by a woman - coolly elegant and utterly confident. Something to celebrate there, folks.

In almost a month to the day, the West Side will get some relief.

Volcano Vista is not a panacea by any means, and we may be back at this in very short order, but as they say in the building business: Well begun, halfway done.