The Master Plan (Last updated October 26th 2004)

The Lycee is deeply grateful to the Board of Trustees and Administration for their diligent oversight of this process. Their generous work, time and resources helped to make the building possible. The Master Plan would never be at this exciting point of development without the thoughtful contributions of faculty and staff and of the whole school community in the planning process. We appreciate the understanding and enthusiasm of the students. We are thankful to the parents for their consistent diligence and caring. As always, we depend on the insightful contributions of the Neighborhood Liaison Committee. After a delayed beginning due to the lengthy permit process of Montgomery Count, we have good news and major events regarding the Master Building Plan for the new high school.

The Good News

First, Coakley Williams, a very reputable contractor was selected to implement the design created by Bowie Gridley Architects. Coakley Williams is a local firm that is nationally recognized. They have worked for the Lycee in the past on the Middle School. Some of the other schools they have built are: Washington International School , Norwood , The Woods Academy, Ivy Mount, and Connelly School of the Holy Child to name a few. They have been responsive and flexible in working with the Lycee regarding both safety concerns and student programs. JFW Inc is the construction management firm that is coordinating the work of the builders. Their representative has become a regular addition to the scene here at the Lycee! We meet weekly to keep all parties informed and aware of the activities taking place. Each month an open session for students and teachers will be held to answer questions and explain the building process as it progresses.

Second, thanks to the tireless efforts of the Board Finance Committee the Lycee was awarded a $14,000,000 Revenue Bond from the Maryland Health and Higher Educational Facilities Financing Authority (MHHEFA). This is an important accomplishment that allows us to more forward on a strong financial base.

Third, we have received the two most critical permits needed for actual construction to start; those are the Forest Conservation Plan and the Storm water Management and Sediment Control Plan. With these permits in hand the actual construction work can begin. Signs of these beginnings are already evident. A newly built, temporary faculty parking lot now exists adjacent t the access road. During the October break, the erosion and sediment control measures will be put in place; once that is in place, trees will be removed from the new building area. The Building Permits for both the high school and the gym have a number of steps involved. Each is more then half complete; it is anticipated that by the time construction is set to begin on the two structures the final steps will have been completed. Currently, final steps are in place for the WSSC on-site water permit.

Ground Breaking Ceremony

And finally, we happily announce a Ground Breaking Ceremony to celebrate this important step in the history of the Lycee Rochambeau. Invitations will be sent to all Lycee families, friends and neighbors. Please mark your calendars now to join the French Ambassador, Board Members, neighbors and of course our students, faculty, families and staff on November 29 nd . Check the web for the time and details!!

The three major phases of the project from October 2004 to November 2005
Phase I	Phase II	Phase III

These maps above show the changes of the school environment as the building is constructed. In each map the yellow area marks all construction site activities. The red line with x's specifies the t emporary fencing that is being put up for safety. This fence delineates the area for construction work only; students, faculty and staff should not go into the fenced off areas, nor in any yellow areas shown on the map. The blue-lined areas are designated parking lots for all faculty and staff. The green checked area shows a playing field for physical education classes. All unmarked areas are open for regular use by all students, faculty staff and parent visitors. We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we take on the reality of "living" on a construction site.

Phase I. Sept - mid November 2004

This phase is now in progress and the 2 temporary parking lots are the only parking areas for faculty and staff. One new temporary parking lot has been built in front of the high school (P1). All faculty and staff should use this lot as well as the parking lot behind the high school (P2). The French International School parking tags must be prominently displayed in the window of each car. All cars should approach these parking lots by way of Montgomery Drive and the bus access road. A new security guard will be posted at the Montgomery Drive access road entrance as of November 1.

The construction trail e r that provides office space for Coakley Williams Construction is now located in the lower parking area next to the middle school. This was formerly the faculty lot but will now be for construction workers only. The playing area behind the middle school is being preserved until approximately the second week in November. At that time the area will be absorbed into the construction site. Virtually all of the space along the East ( Montgomery Drive ) side of the school will be open and available for play etc. by the students.

Phase II Mid November - early June 2005

The student playing fields are now shifted to the area in front of the high school because the backfield behind the middle school will be the staging area for the building of the new gymnasium. A storm water management pond will be in place at this phase in the lower South West corner of the property.

Delivery trucks will be routed along both Forest Drive and Montgomery Drive and the bus access road to attempt to balance the amount of traffic on Forest Drive . No deliveries will be made during arrival and dismissal times at the school. This Phase will continue from mid November through early June 2005.

Phase III June - November 2005

At this point the new high school building will be almost ready for occupancy in August. The old high school will be demolished when the permit for occupancy is granted by Montgomery County . At that point the focus of the work will shift to changes throughout the site, to include the front area along the bus access road where a new soccer field will be put in place and a new bus shelter built, as well as a new track area, site lighting, landscaping and new entry area loop. This work will continue through the Fall of 2005.

From May 2004:

The permit documents have been submitted on May 14th 2004 to the County for review, and we expect to receive the building permits in August. The documents have been submitted for bids at the beginning of June, and the five General Contractors, very reputable in school construction, will present their bids at the end of the month.