Schools
Ridgeview Middle School Renovation Enters Phase Two
Progress of the school reconstruction apparent for the first day of school
Phase One of the renovation work at Ridgeview Middle School is finished. Students and staff will notice a big difference as they enter the school to begin the school year on August 29. The front canopy is nearly complete, the cafeteria has an entirely new look and the grand stairwell that replaced an interior ramp between flloors is ready for use.
“The amount of work completed in 9 weeks is unbelievable,” said Autumn Myers, Media Specialist and construction liaison, in an email to Patch.
Technology and classroom accessories are being moved into place throughout the school, including the science classrooms. Also, new lockers have been installed and the preliminary work several other areas has been started. Frame and glass for the new cafeteria partition will be installed in time for the staff preparation days and the sixth grade mini-school day on August 25.
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Oak contracting, the builders hired to do all of the work, have finished Phase 1 and have already begun parts of Phase 2 of the construction, which includes work in a locker area, the new Guidance area and duct work in many classrooms. Oak met with administrators regularly over the summer to discuss updates, identify changes to the schedule, and to update school staff on progress.
“The staff here at Ridgeview Middle School have been absolutely amazing this summer.” Autumn Myers said. “Their support, given the amount of packing, moving, reorganizing, the summer temperature and the dust really show how much they care and are dedicated to our school community.”
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Although the team is trying its best to minimize the impact on students and staff, there will still be crowding as students continue to use the mobile classrooms at least until January 2012. Myers says that the schedule should allow for the Guidance team to move to their permanent location at that time, along with the reopening of renovated classrooms downstairs.
"In January we will welcome lots of room, but that comes with the need for technology moves, furniture moves, and changes to hallway movement." Myers added. "Don’t’ be surprised to hear an ‘all call’ for support when the media center moves out and the guidance office moves into their new space."
Construction updates will be communicated to the community through the school website.