Our contractors have been able to maximize the good weather with pours of concrete around the exterior of the building creating new plazas for pedestrians. Furniture, fixtures and equipment are being delivered and assembled. The gym floor has been sanded down to bare wood and is now in the process of being stained and painted in preparation for a new finish. Interior spaces are in the process of being readied for the first day of school. We will be meeting Friday to confirm areas of the new building that will be ready for occupancy.
Some of the areas that will continue to have construction are the Family and Consumer Sciences classroom. This area is where the old office and student restrooms were. This class will meet in one of the science labs until the room is completed in October. Another area that will have ongoing construction is the area of the old classroom wing. This wing is nearly demolished and will be the site of a new outdoor learning and congregating area. There will be additional modifications that we expect will be ongoing through the end of December, however the project will be substantially completed in mid-September.
Having staff and students working remotely due to the pandemic and good weather through much of the project has helped us stay on schedule. However, supply chain challenges have nearly offset those schedule gains. Difficulty getting paint, doors, roofing materials, equipment and fixtures has delayed inspections and construction. As with any construction project, we are solving problems as they arise and are excited to deliver a high-quality building to the community.
We are tentatively planning the dedication of the new school in mid-September. The event will be on a Saturday to allow as many people to attend as possible. On August 27 at 6 p.m., officers from the Grand Lodge of Washington F&AM will be on hand to rededicate the cornerstone of the high school that was laid in 1974. Having the state officers perform this ceremony is an exceptional honor. We hope that you'll plan to attend.
As mentioned, the old classroom wing has been demolished. We have set aside a large pile of bricks for those who would like a souvenir of the old building. You will find the pile near the tennis court. Please note that there is no access for vehicles to load from this pile. This is intended to be an "all you can carry in your hands" opportunity. The bricks are rough and unsuitable for projects (unless you want to spend a lot of time cleaning off the old cement and cinderblock). Please, do not enter the demolition area. It is quite unstable and dangerous.
Here are some recent photos from the site:
