The Mitchell Elementary School is getting a new playground, the Broadmeadow Elementary School is having new flooring installed, and a bathroom renovation project at Pollard Middle School means new plumbing, fixtures, walls, and handicapped accessibility. We have also just kicked off the design process for new modular classrooms at Mitchell to accommodate Full Day Kindergarten anticipated in the fall of 2019.
The biggest projects, however, involve the Needham High School expansion and renovation project and the construction of the Sunita L. Williams Elementary School. Here is a quick update of progress to date:
• The Sunita L. Williams Elementary School is on target to be opened next summer for the 2019-20 school year. Construction is well underway with exteriors being built and interior classrooms roughed out with walls, conduit, fire suppression systems, and HVAC components. The play areas in the back, including the trails, are also being prepared. A quick tour of the building allows one to see how the large classrooms will provide ample space for teaching and learning, and the unique media center design and large gym and cafe spaces are quickly taking shape. An amazing and student-centered design by Dore and Whittier Architects and an on schedule superbly managed construction project by Bacon Construction, Inc. means the school will serve generations of Needham's young people. For additional information about the project, please check out the district's website: Sunita L. Williams School Planning
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| Sunita L. Williams Classrooms and Cafe spaces |
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| Sunita L. Williams Gym under construction |
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| Sunita L. Williams School going up on Central Avenue! |
• The Needham High School Renovation and Expansion project is well underway but will not be completely ready as originally planned for the start of classes in September. The $12 million project has been ambitious from the very beginning, and the design/construction team of Dore and Whittier and Consigli Construction have been working exceptionally hard since ground was broken in the early spring to have everything in place for the start of classes. Unfortunately, the new ten classroom expansion and some of the interior work and renovations hit unexpected snags that will delay the project by a few weeks. For example, while the interior renovations will be mostly complete and ready for students, the expansion will require finishing work. The gym will still require additional work and will be unavailable for a few weeks. The high school staff will assign students to temporary spaces until the expansion is ready a few weeks after school opens, and then the project will be complete and provide ample space for the growing student population at NHS. While the project continues, the traffic pattern in and around the high school campus will remain as it was in the spring. Principal Aaron Sicotte will send out updates to the high school community as they become available.
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| NHS Gym Renovation: New bleachers, floors and ceiling |
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| NHS Classroom Expansion on Webster St. |
Yes, there is a lot of work ahead, but we are thrilled with the new and improved spaces and appreciate the generosity of the Needham community for supporting its students and schools!
