Elena Hubbell
As we prepare for the close of the 1999-2000 school year, the wheels
are in motion to begin construction of our two new high schools. All
departments are now preparing for construction this fall. Both high
schools will be built in three main phases so that educational programs
continue while construction work goes on.
JOHN BURROUGHS HIGH SCHOOL
At John Burroughs, the first phase will begin with construction of a
three-story classroom building along Parish Place, replacing some
existing classrooms, the cafeteria, lunch shelter, small gymnasium,
girls' locker room and weight room. Only the large gym, the "Brian Hurst
Gym," will remain when the three story building is completed. Also in
Phase I, the cafeteria/all purpose room and foods lab will be built and
the new gymnasium -- with mezzanine, boys' and girl's locker rooms,
classrooms and swimming pool -- will be completed.
Phase II will involve the renovation of the present two story building
at the entrance to the school. The entrance will be moved to make entry
to the school and administration offices more accessible to students and
parents. In this building, the science labs will be modernized and
updated along with the business and computer labs.
The last phase at Burroughs will be the modernization of both the
performing arts and auditorium buildings. The reconfiguration will
increase space for vocal music, instructional music, and drama. Also in
this phase, the industrial arts and visual arts areas will be updated.
With the loss of the cafeteria at John Burroughs, temporary
preparation areas will be set up so that portable food carts can be used
to take food to the students in the quad area between the present two
story building and the three hundred classroom building.
Food service will also be available near the industrial arts building
and on the front grass area near the auditorium. That area will be fenced
off during construction so students will have more space to eat and move
around. Two weeks ago, the school enacted a successful "dry run" or
demonstration to prepare for the fall when the cafeteria will be
demolished and become a staging area for construction work. While
construction goes on, we will still be in the business of educating
students. The educational process may need some alterations but quality
education will go on as usual.
Both projects are expected to begin construction in the fall.
Preparation work will begin when students leave school this month. At
