C. E. Cole Intermediate School originally opened its doors in 1956.  At that time the school consisted of a number of classroom buildings and a gymnasium accessed by exterior canopied walkways.  Use of the complex was discontinued in 1997 following the completion of the Muhlenberg Elementary Center, which at that time consisted of grades K–5. 

Bearing the name of Muhlenberg’s first Superintendent of Schools, Mr. Clinton E. Cole, who served from 1926–1946, the school underwent renovations/rebuilding beginning in 2007.  Most of the former complex was razed with the exception of the gymnasium, the “Muhl,” and “Blue” centers.  The gymnasium and locker rooms were renovated and updated.  The “Arts” wing of the new Intermediate School was built onto the gymnasium containing the music and art room.  This wing boasts 15 foot ceilings in the classrooms, large windows allowing lots of natural light into the rooms, and exposed brick in the hallways.  The “Muhl” center houses the Muhlenberg Community Library and remains a close partner of the Intermediate School.  The “Blue” center remains and is being used as a District resource building. 

In the planning of this new building, safety and security was a top priority.  The security measures employed ensure that the students have a safe place to learn.  All entrances to the building are locked during the school day.  The only access point for visitors is through the main office located off of Kutztown Road next to the Muhlenberg Community Library.  Visitors must sign in and receive a badge before proceeding into the building. 

Within the walls of the new building, Terrazzo flooring adorned with the Muhlenberg “Muhl” emblem greets visitors as they enter the main doors to the office from Kutztown Road.  In addition to the main entrance, emblems and symbols of the district are located in the Arts Wing and as one enters the gymnasium next to the ticketing booth within the building.  New blue ‘Forbo’ flooring was installed in each classroom to compliment the yellow/gold walls, giving the building Muhlenberg blue and gold throughout.  It is evident that aesthetics abound as one also observes the vaulted wood ceilings and exposed beams in the cafeteria and media center. 

As one of the newest buildings on the Muhlenberg School District campus, C. E. Cole boasts state-of-the-art technology.  With LCD projectors, 32-inch wall mounted flat screen TV’s, and DVD players in each general education classroom, as well as SmartBoards in the library, computer lab, and all 20 general education classrooms, students have a variety of media from which to learn.  In addition, the school contains a computer lab with 30 machines, an LCD projector, and a SmartBoard.  Teachers also have access to two mobile laptop stations with 30 machines to allow for student use within the regular classroom.  Teachers can also set up “Turning Points” activities to compliment their instruction.  “Turning Points” is a program that works with Microsoft Power Point to enable each student to use a response device to respond to a question or activity.  Responses are monitored and real-time item analysis can take place to determine each student’s areas of strength and weakness for the activity, putting excellence in action. 

The new C. E. Cole Intermediate School is a great place for students and a wonderful compliment to the Muhlenberg School District and the Muhlenberg community.