May 23, 2024
Dear IAA Families and Staff,
This morning I spent time connecting with staff at IAA and witnessing the heat and the noise impacting many students and staff as we work to complete a renovation project during a heat wave. I know that many days this week have been very uncomfortable. I am sorry for the frustration and discomfort the current work to conduct geothermal drilling is causing.
Because this part of the project is not moving as quickly as was planned, on Tuesday, we asked the well drillers to consider a temporary pause or a shift in working schedules. Unfortunately, they let us know that in order to do that, they would have to leave the site and not return until the end of summer, and we would risk missing the federal deadline of spending the $10m in ESSER funds. In a twist of fate though, today we learned that the drill broke and has been taken away for repairs! This means they will not be drilling again until temperatures are much cooler next week!
Still, it is almost summer and because we cannot shift the schedule without major impacts, I want you to know we are making plans to help provide relief from heat and noise if temperatures rise again before the project is completed. Specifically:
- We have air conditioners and fans placed in areas that can handle the electrical load.
- I have asked Principal Scheidt to encourage teachers to take students out of classrooms when possible and Champlain has donated a significant amount of camp chairs to help create outdoor classrooms.
- Art is moving to a model that pushes into classrooms, much like it will be next year, when noise and/or temperatures are impacting learning.
- We are working with the Boys and Girls Club, who have offered to let us use their space during the day.
- We are working to get students to Roosevelt Park, a three-minute walk from school, for recess and other outdoor learning time.
The good news is that it looks like much cooler temperatures are arriving today and will continue for at least next week and the drilling is almost complete. We have high hopes that they will be finished in the first week of June, though the recent equipment break may push us a little further. Once this project is complete, though, we will never have to worry about whether or not to open windows in the building!
Thank you all for your patience, understanding, and flexibility.
Tom
St. Marks Floor Plan Updates – While we continue to make tweaks to our design based on feedback and need, the Floor Plans for St. Marks are largely complete. As you can see, we are no longer considering plans which would convert the large cafeteria space into classrooms. We also have gender-neutral bathrooms represented, as well as a plan for the library, nurse’s office, classrooms, etc. Check it out!
Food at St. Marks – With huge thanks to our Director of Food Services Laura La Vacca and her awesome school nutrition team, we have a good plan in place for food next year. We will be using the kitchen at Hunt Middle School to make hot food and then transporting it to St. Mark’s.
Playground – We have a small budget for playground equipment at St. Mark’s and are working with Playground Bob to create an awesome experience for students. We will also be moving some swings from Champlain Elementary and the old swing set from IAA, and are purchasing a gaga ball pit, soccer goals, and “big blue blocks!” After the project is completed, the old IAA swing set will stay at St. Marks and the newer set from Champlain will travel back to IAA. (Sara Holbrook already has an age-appropriate playground that is large enough for our needs.)
Fencing – We will be installing a fence at St. Mark’s before the start of the new school year to help with safety and security on the campus. Busses will drop students off near the entrance to the fence so that students can be safely gathered before and after school, and during recess.
IAA Construction Update – Our project manager PCI, has begun issuing bi-weekly reports full of photos and information on the project. Their most recent update has a bunch of pictures and captures the number of wells already drilled (23 as of last week), roof supports and ductwork, and an update on our work to remove the boilers and all accessories out of the boiler room. Removal of the boilers and accessories will happen next week, making way for the new geothermal equipment that will be used to heat and cool the building. Check it out.
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