Cleaning up for school Cleaning up for school (August 19, 2005)

Construction projects wrap up, or get started, around the district
by Rebecca Guyon

When students come back to Donlon Elementary School August 29, they will be greeted with modernized classrooms, a new computer lab and play structures and an expanded library that will soon be filled with $20,000 worth of books. These changes are just part of the greater construction projects going on across the district.

"We are fortunate that we work with a city that allows for all sorts of construction and when we have an idea for something great for the kids, we have the opportunity to do that," said Superintendent John Casey as he addressed a group of school officials and city leaders during the district's annual facilities tour Tuesday.

Donlon has completed several rounds of modernization and remodeling that totaled nearly $8 million over the years, said Principal Mark Schweitzer. The new, updated classrooms are twice the size of the old ones, he said, and now that they are completed the school was able to remove the portable structures, which had come to be a landmark for the campus. This also freed up more space for the new play structure, which has new rubber turf. The turf, made from old tires, is not only safer, but was also a necessary improvement so that the structure would be in compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act.

Modernization also meant improving what is held within the buildings, which is why Donlon invested in a new computer lab and science lab for fourth and fifth grade students. Students at that grade level are tested on science by the state, so that prompted the school to focus resources, including hiring outside support staff, to help cover more material on that topic, Schweitzer said. Other changes also include updated and expanded administrative and faculty offices.

Just as Donlon completed the majority of its projects, Lydiksen Elementary School is embarking on a huge remodeling plan to also modernize its campus. The changes will bring the school in compliance with ADA, refurbish and add restrooms, update the administrative office, provide new cabinetry and add a new conference room. When students start school, part of the classes will be held in portable structures. The construction is scheduled for completion by January 2006 and students are expected to be in the updated classrooms when they return after winter break.

Foothill High School students can expect to have classes in the new, two-story classroom building that will house a total of 29 classrooms. Although the building is close to completion, when the school year starts only 1l math classes and three visual performing arts classes will be held in the building, said Principal Kevin Johnson. The building, when at capacity, will hold additional math classes and the band and choir room, as well as a staff lounge. This is the first two-story building for the Foothill campus. Amador added a 24-classroom two-story building a year and a half ago.

Harvest Park Middle School also opened a new pre-school facility on its campus for students with developmental disabilities, autism and speech delays. Twenty-four students are scheduled to attend the school full time with more than 100 students using the drop-in speech services, said Ken Wytte, assistant director of special education. The new facility combines the programs that were previously held at Valley View Elementary School, Vintage Hills Elementary School and Pleasanton Middle School.

"By putting those programs together, we combine the synergy each one had and free needed space at the other schools," Casey said.

The tour concluded with the new Charles "Chuck" Volonte Aquatic Center at Amador. Swimming, water polo and diving teams will use the pool for events and practices. In addition to the sites on the tour, construction continues at other schools across the district including Valley View, Vintage Hills and Pleasanton Middle School. Most of the construction centers on modernizing buildings and adding classrooms, specifically science labs.

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