By Steve Mayer
Because Sharon Elementary and Pond Road Middle Schools are currently active construction sites, all of our summer programs are taking place at Robbinsville High School this year. When passing by either school, it becomes quickly apparent that we are taking advantage of the summer months to move into high gear. We are very proud that the projects associated with the 2012 referendum are proceeding under budget and according to the revised schedule, and eagerly look forward to turning over improved facilities to our community this fall. Following is a status update for each site:
Pond Road School
A large window has been added to the front of Pond Road Middle School. This new window will allow natural light to stream into an enlarged and updated cafetorium. By September, we expect to have this newly renovated space ready for the 1,200-plus fourth through eighth graders arriving to start the 2014-2015 academic year. A new coat of paint, as well as new floors and ceilings, will welcome students into a healthy more spacious environment for eating and socializing with friends.
Students arriving at Pond will notice that the front entrance has been refashioned. A simple canopy and accented entryway will be added as a way to welcome students into a professional and purposeful learning environment. We have also replaced dated and stained carpeting with colorful vinyl tile throughout the building. This will help to maintain a cleaner environment. We are very pleased that our community has supported our efforts to provide some basic yet impactful upgrades to a building that will serve our student population well into the future.
Sharon School
The major addition at Sharon School, which includes 27 new classrooms and a new gymnasium designed for student and community use, remains on schedule so that we can shift classes from Windsor School and the modular classrooms at Sharon into the new space upon returning from winter break. Our expectation for the upcoming school year includes leveraging the new facility for these eight classes as well as several small instructional groups and community use of the gym. Then, in September 2015, Sharon will welcome its initial class of fourth grade students. I have walked through the space several times this summer and am very excited to see the beginnings of an outstanding instructional space for our kids.
When returning to school in September, students and their families will notice greatly improved bus and parent drop-off areas. The front of the school will feature a revised drop-off pattern for school busses, one in which every bus can be parked in a safe and efficient manner to facilitate a smooth arrival and dismissal process. A new dedicated parent loop in the back of the building will permit students arriving in cars to enter the school building safely.
In addition, students will be able to enjoy a new playground facility that has been uniquely designed for elementary-aged children. Finally, classes held in the oldest section of the building will be air-conditioned and have new cubbies and classroom cabinetry. Overall, the improvements to Sharon School are designed to make that space a place where our youngest students can thrive and grow. With an updated cafeteria and new spaces for learning that are properly air-conditioned, we believe the building will be ready to handle classes for years to come.
Other Projects
We are currently working with Open Systems to update and install security cameras throughout all three campuses. In the event of an emergency situation, these cameras will permit law enforcement officials to have eyes inside the building. This, coupled with our efforts to improve visitor management and safety drilling procedures, create a more secure school environment. School security is something we take very seriously. We will continue to refine our own processes and work collaboratively with local law enforcement experts to improve our approaches.
In closing, please know how grateful we are to leverage the summer months to move forward projects designed to reflect our community values for education. We are especially grateful to a community that understands the importance of an appropriate learning environment for children. We are eager to share these resources freely.
As you drive by our campuses, we invite you to turn and look so that you can share our excitement and enthusiasm.
Steve Mayer is superintendent of Robbinsville schools.
