Students Adjust as Construction on Alta View Elementary Continues
Aug 22, 2016 03:31PM ● By Julie Slama
Construction is underway on the new Alta View Elementary. Students continue to attend the same 53-year-old school, but in fall 2017, they will shift to the new school. — Julie Slama
By
Julie Slama | [email protected]
When elementary students return to Alta View Elementary this fall, they will see the structure of the new school rising on their back playground.
The current 53-year-old elementary school will continue to house students this school year until the new Alta View Elementary, located east of the current school at 10333 Crocus St., will be completed and ready to open in fall 2017, Principal Karen Medlin said.
“It’s fascinating to see it being built,” Medlin said. “All the walls and roof are expected to be completed before the snow falls so during the winter, crews can work on the inside.”
There have been some adjustments to the school being built on the same grounds. Last year, a chain-link fence was added to the front lawn of the school so students will continue to hold recess and physical education there, since the back playground was removed for the construction.
This fall, a third drop-off point for students was added, as there will be minimal room at the school’s south entrance.
“There will be a preferable option for student drop-off on Larkspur and West Crocus. We’re really thankful (Salt Lake) County has committed a crossing guard for one year to help make sure our students are safe,” she said.
The north drop-off loop at the school will remain available during the school year.
Medlin said officials tried to minimize disruptions to students. This summer, crews tore up tiling in the current school to remove asbestos.
“We have cement hallways as well as in the gym and cafeteria. It was worth it to get the asbestos out now so when the students finish the school year, then they won’t have to have that time-consuming task before tearing down this building to create parking lots and playgrounds for the new building. We’re making sure we [AC1] be on time to open the new school next fall,” Medlin said.
Construction began on the new 83,000-square-foot, two-story building Apr. 19, with funds from a $250 million bond approved by voters in 2010.
Medlin said there are weekly meetings with Naylor Wentworth Lund Architects, Hogan Construction, school district officials and herself to ensure the school will be completed on time and on budget. The new school will cost about $17,357,990.
Principal architect Philip Wentworth, with Naylor Wentworth Lund Architects, said that with the new design and special features, every room will have a heat pump with all the controls that will operate an efficient boiler-cooler system.
The design includes 24 classrooms, all equipped with the ability to have computers as well as voice-amplification equipment for teachers. A grand staircase will lead upstairs to the media center and computer lab. Both upstairs and downstairs will have kivas for cooperative learning or smaller class performances.
A security door will be placed at the entrance of the school and a bus and carpool drop-off is included, as many students come to the Spanish dual-immersion school.
The new Alta View will feature a multipurpose room with a large stage and a security door that locks the rest of the school so the community can use this room as a gathering place.
There will also be four rooms designed for the school’s brain boosters program, which this year will introduce engineering to first- through fifth-grade students. Previously, the school held music classes.
“Students will have regular rotations to learn engineering through building robots with Legos,” Medlin said.
There are decisions yet to make such as interior school colors, including a time capsule, how to incorporate a new updated look for the roadrunner mascot and purchasing new furniture and technology for the school.
“I plan to take a lot of our existing items and then, augmenting it. I’ve talked to other schools and our tech people to make sure we get what will be best for our students,” Medlin said.
When elementary students return to Alta View Elementary this fall, they will see the structure of the new school rising on their back playground.
The current 53-year-old elementary school will continue to house students this school year until the new Alta View Elementary, located east of the current school at 10333 Crocus St., will be completed and ready to open in fall 2017, Principal Karen Medlin said.
“It’s fascinating to see it being built,” Medlin said. “All the walls and roof are expected to be completed before the snow falls so during the winter, crews can work on the inside.”
There have been some adjustments to the school being built on the same grounds. Last year, a chain-link fence was added to the front lawn of the school so students will continue to hold recess and physical education there, since the back playground was removed for the construction.
This fall, a third drop-off point for students was added, as there will be minimal room at the school’s south entrance.
“There will be a preferable option for student drop-off on Larkspur and West Crocus. We’re really thankful (Salt Lake) County has committed a crossing guard for one year to help make sure our students are safe,” she said.
The north drop-off loop at the school will remain available during the school year.
Medlin said officials tried to minimize disruptions to students. This summer, crews tore up tiling in the current school to remove asbestos.
“We have cement hallways as well as in the gym and cafeteria. It was worth it to get the asbestos out now so when the students finish the school year, then they won’t have to have that time-consuming task before tearing down this building to create parking lots and playgrounds for the new building. We’re making sure we [AC1] be on time to open the new school next fall,” Medlin said.
Construction began on the new 83,000-square-foot, two-story building Apr. 19, with funds from a $250 million bond approved by voters in 2010.
Medlin said there are weekly meetings with Naylor Wentworth Lund Architects, Hogan Construction, school district officials and herself to ensure the school will be completed on time and on budget. The new school will cost about $17,357,990.
Principal architect Philip Wentworth, with Naylor Wentworth Lund Architects, said that with the new design and special features, every room will have a heat pump with all the controls that will operate an efficient boiler-cooler system.
The design includes 24 classrooms, all equipped with the ability to have computers as well as voice-amplification equipment for teachers. A grand staircase will lead upstairs to the media center and computer lab. Both upstairs and downstairs will have kivas for cooperative learning or smaller class performances.
A security door will be placed at the entrance of the school and a bus and carpool drop-off is included, as many students come to the Spanish dual-immersion school.
The new Alta View will feature a multipurpose room with a large stage and a security door that locks the rest of the school so the community can use this room as a gathering place.
There will also be four rooms designed for the school’s brain boosters program, which this year will introduce engineering to first- through fifth-grade students. Previously, the school held music classes.
“Students will have regular rotations to learn engineering through building robots with Legos,” Medlin said.
There are decisions yet to make such as interior school colors, including a time capsule, how to incorporate a new updated look for the roadrunner mascot and purchasing new furniture and technology for the school.
“I plan to take a lot of our existing items and then, augmenting it. I’ve talked to other schools and our tech people to make sure we get what will be best for our students,” Medlin said.
[AC1]We’ll?
