Information, Celebration, Inspiration (Academy President’s Blog)
06.21.11 - Summer Moves
Since opening in the 1950s, the Lower School building has continuously served as a center for academic excellence as well as a joyful, active community. A graceful structure with wide hallways, high ceilings and large bright classrooms, it serves today as the main location for our kindergarten through fifth grade classrooms, including classrooms for art and music/drama, a gym and our Lower School library.
This year the Lower School faculty engaged in a full review of the Lower School program. Recognizing that we have an excellent program with many strengths, the faculty wanted to determine what we could do to enhance and strengthen the entire program.
One of the many outcomes of the discussions was a recommendation to re-arrange the location of the classrooms thereby using the space in a more effective and student-centered manner. Then, as the plans for the move began to take shape, we realized that we had an opportunity to do some aesthetic improvements.
These improvements continue the work of two summers ago when we painted and refurbished the Lower School hallway to add light and installed solar tubes.
So, what will go where in the new arrangement? The kindergarten moves to the south wing where there once were third grade classrooms. The classrooms will be a new opportunity for the kindergarten teachers who previously taught in a room with no walls. Additionally we will install a sink, faucet and cabinet that is just right for kindergarteners!
The first and second grade classrooms will continue in the east end of the hall. Mrs. Lorenzo will move across the hall to Room 2. The second grade will continue in their rooms, but also with some upgrades. The third grade will move to the main hall on the west end. Mrs. Frieman will move into Room 10 (the south west side of the hall). To enhance the third grade science lessons we will install anewsink, faucet and cabinet. The fourth and fifth grade classes will be consolidated in the west end of the hall. Mrs. Hamilton will teach social studies now in Room 13.
The Library will move into the former kindergarten. A bright, cheery area, this relocation will make the Library a fantastic focal point for our community. We will install a new circulation desk as well as new shelves, carpeting and painting. Additionally, the library is going to receive all new desktops for the student computer area.
The music room will move to the former library allowing for more space for private lessons and closer proximity to the stage. The music teachers look forward to using the shelving and closets for ample storage of instruments and materials.
The move began June 1 when teachers sorted through classroom materials in preparation for the changes. Teachers sorted, recycled, donated and, in some cases, tossed items. The remaining materials were boxed up, and the boxes were shifted to the gym for the summer months.
Now the building bustles with our maintenance staff along with painters, carpet installers, plumbers and many others as we get ready for a great NEW year in the Lower School.
