CONSTRUCTION UPDATE FOR NOVEMBER 1 -19, 2004

Phase II of the construction plan is now in effect as of November 15 th . The actual ground breaking and building characterizes this phase! A large metal fence is now in place, establishing the parameters of the construction site. The most vivid impact to the school grounds is the absence of the trees. The actuality of the building process was made real as we watched the lumber being hauled away; keeping in mind the old adage that with every great loss there is a great gain. And the gain is great because the new high school is over 32,000 square feet and accommodates 3 specific areas: a new science center with three state of the art laboratories serving all middle and high school students; a 239 seat multi-purpose auditorium; modern, sophisticated classrooms with technical appointments and teaching facilities.

At the Eastern end of the new high school building a specially designed section houses the two required lower school classrooms. A separate, covered entrance allows for easy access to the expanded playground area further to the East, and to the administration building where primary school drop off and pick up will continue to occur.

The field behind the middle school is being dug in preparation for the new 17,600 plus square foot gymnasium. With the additional gym the school will have the opportunity to offer more elaborate physical education programs with a regulation-sized facility. The new gym will provide modernized student lockers, staff lockers and much needed storage space for equipment.

Phase II continues through the academic school year .

A NEIGHBORLY AGREEMENT

The Bethesda Country Day School (BCDS), known as "the little school on the corner" has graciously agreed to allow our physical education classes to be held on their backfield during the construction of the new gym. The field behind the middle school typically used for sports classes is part of the construction site and is currently off-limits to students and staff. Our alternative for field space was to walk to nearby Fleming Park, however the walk would use valuable class time. We are very grateful to Stacy Atwater, the Director of BCDS for her kindness and caring for the educational opportunities for the broader community of children. The Lycee looks forward to continued neighborly relationships with BCDS.

A Note about the Trees

It seemed logical that the trees on the site of the actual building should be removed; however many people expressed concern and curiosity about the removal of other trees near the middle school and in front of the administration building. We inquired about the removal of these trees and were told that this was necessary due to the change in the entrance driveway area and new sidewalks being installed; these changes were part of the original approved plan. When the road and sidewalks are redone, the root systems of the trees will be affected, damaging them permanently. Therefore the trees must be removed. Be assured that the plans were reviewed by knowledgeable arborists and County representatives of the Forest Conservation program.