ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) – Folks in Rochester gathered for the ribbon cutting of the newly re-named Dr. Freddie Thomas Middle School. School leaders tell News 8 that reconfiguration in the school district is the main reason behind the name change. Wednesday nights festivities also included an open house for parents and students to meet the school's staff and faculty and get to know one another. Organizers said with their re-opening they hope to change the school's narrative into a positive school community and experience for the students. Midge Thomas, the wife of the late Dr. Freddie Thomas also made remarks at the school's open house. Dr. Thomas studied numerous fields during his lifetime and made significant contributions to biology research at the Eastman Kodak Company and the University of Rochester.