Construction Update January/February, 2006

High School

After a frustrating week of preparation, the High School building was turned over by the construction company for partial occupancy of the first and second floors on January 11. 2006. The Lower Level was occupied as of February 2. There are numerous details being finished during the next two weeks that include, stair treads, light fixtures in the bathrooms and paint touch-ups to name a few. Because classes are in session the work is being done before school and on weekends.

Both students and teachers have commented that this is a much more enjoyable place in which to attend and teach classes. Plans are being made to create student murals for the foyer. We will also have framed posters in the upper level hallway to make the area more attractive. The auditorium is actively used for theatrical rehearsals, dance, meetings and presentations. The Smart Boards are a big hit with teachers and students! Teachers have been creative in their use and many are open to learning new techniques with this technology.

This week the outside amphitheaters are being laid with concrete pavers. The larger, west side is almost complete. This will provide a gathering place for students during lunch and breaks. The east end should be finished within the next two weeks. The weather impacts the availability of asphalt needed to adhere the pavers. It must be a bit warmer to produce it.

Middle School

The Middle School renovations will be complete by Monday March 6 th . The former labs have been converted to a new study hall that contains new desks and cabinetry similar to the high school; a new art room with storage, sinks, new art tables and stools and a new music room containing a small stage, storage closet for instruments and new desks. Slowly but surely Lycee Rochambeau is becoming more modernized and attractive!

Gymnasium

Currently the gym itself is under roof, all light fixtures are in, concrete bleachers have been poured and the steel roof is being set on the fitness corridor. Within ten to fifteen days the entire gymnasium structure will be weather tight, thus allowing dry wall and finishes to be started. The building contains new locker rooms, a fitness room, athletic offices and offices for the facilities department. Completion is scheduled for April 24 th .

Demolition of the Old High School

From March 6 through the 17 th the old high school will be demolished and all the debris will be removed. This is a big job that involves a concentrated focus of trucks and workers at the south west area of the property. All work will take place from 7 AM until 8 AM but will cease during arrival between 8 – 9 each morning. The work will continue from 9 AM until 3 PM and stop for dismissal. During the day, traffic control measures will be taken by the construction company, Coakley Williams, to ensure the safety of the students and faculty. Flagmen will be on site full time to monitor all truck traffic. Please be aware of this and follow the directions. Continuous maintenance of Forest Road will be performed in order to limit the migration of dirt during on-site operations. This means Coakley Williams will continue to periodically fill pot holes and set up wash stations for the trucks as they leave the grounds.

As stated earlier in the process, “pieces of the Lycee” will be available after the building has been demolished. The school will make these available to those interested in April. Specific information on this will be posted…please check the website for more information on how you can get a “piece of the Lycee”.

A new arrival and dismissal plan has been developed. It will be posted on the web site under the topic New Transportation Plan. Please look for this on Friday March 10, 2006.

Parking

While the demolition is taking place the parking area behind the old high school will be closed to all faculty, parents, staff and students. Parking for faculty and staff will continue to be in the area in front of the administration building, the new parking lot next to the middle school and in the large front lot until the demo work is complete. All construction parking will be behind the old high school. When the front lot is taken over for the excavation work for the field in early April a new parking lot will be ready on the North side of access road, where the old sidewalk and bus shelter are now. Once all the site work is complete in May, we will have 115 parking spaces on the school grounds.

We encourage all walkers to use the path along Forest Road to get to access road and the new shelter. No one should enter the back area behind the school building; this will be completely fenced off. Coakley Williams will fence off the construction space entirely. Pedestrians should use the paths and sidewalks to move through the campus. Signs will be added to define parking and unsafe areas.