Brandywine students will have a few new things to look forward to — including a new Apple iPad lab — when they head back to school Sept. 4.

Located at the middle/senior high school, the iPad lab features 32 iPads and new tables and chairs. High school principal Patrick Weckel said teachers would be able to reserve the room to allow students to work on collaborative projects using the new technology.

Also new this year is Brandywine’s Machine Tool Technology Program, which includes a newly renovated classroom attached to the shop, and upgrades to machine tool equipment. The program is a collaboration between Brandywine and Lake Michigan College. Students from Lake Michigan College will have access to the facility in the evening.

The weight room at the middle/senior high school also received an upgrade over the summer thanks to a donation of exercise equipment by an anonymous person. Weckel said the weight room has doubled in size and includes free weights and stationary weight lifting equipment.

The middle/senior high school lecture hall also received upgrades in the form of new paint, carpeting, tiling and sound equipment.

Merritt Elementary’s gymnasium got a new floor, windows and ceiling. New playground equipment was also installed at Merritt Elementary.

The first day of school for all Brandywine students is Sept. 4; grades kindergarten through sixth will have a half-day, while students grades seventh through 12th will have a full day.

Important dates

Aug. 29 — Seventh grade orientation, 6 p.m., high school gym

Aug. 30 — Grades 8-12 orientation, 1 p.m., high school gym

Sept. 4 — First day of school for all students

Sept. 6 — Brandywine Elementary open house, 7 p.m.; middle and high school picture day; Brandywine Elementary picture day

Sept. 11 — Middle and senior high school open house, 6 to 7 p.m.

Sept. 13 — Merritt Elementary open house, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.; Merritt book fair 6 to 8 p.m.

Sept. 21 — Merritt Elementary picture day

Oct. 3 — Pupil count day