BUILDING STUDENT SUCCESS

Updates on building upgrades slated for completion this summer

By: Karla Regalado

With the summer season fast approaching, the time has come to both continue our progress on current construction projects and initiate work on new ones. In November of 2018, the Elmhurst community overwhelmingly approved a referendum allocating $168.5M to enhance safety and security measures, expand learning spaces, and address maintenance and infrastructure needs across all schools. This summer, Fischer Elementary School, Bryan Middle School, Churchville Middle School, and Sandburg Middle School will be the sites undergoing renovations to meet the needs of our growing community.

After careful consideration of each school’s unique needs and goals, it was determined that Fischer Elementary School required essential updates to better serve its students and staff. Specifically, the school is receiving a new addition of six state-of-the-art classrooms, as well as significant interior renovations that include reconfiguration of classroom and hallway spaces, updates to the media center, and the addition of a makerspace - a collaborative space for students to make, learn, explore and share work. Fischer will also be updating its gym by replacing the floors and giving it a fresh coat of paint. With these changes in mind, construction and renovation updates will include the installation of new flooring in the cafeteria, a fresh coat of paint for the gym, and other enhancements. The old main office, library, and bathrooms will be completely renovated and updated. An emergency backup generator will also be installed for the building, and the auditorium stage lighting, rigging, and sound will be replaced.

The school will also improve its exterior by repaving the bus lanes, clearing the gravel parking lot, and adding additional green space. These improvements will provide major impacts to the school by creating a new atmosphere.

”Bryan Middle School continues to grow and evolve with our students. The addition of our new main office created such a warm and welcoming environment while also providing additional security. We are very excited to see the next phase of the work including the upgrades to the librar y and the creation of a student services office. The central location for our student service personnel will help serve our students and provide wrap around support. The hallway flooring upgrades will add to the warm and welcoming environment at BMS” said Jacquelyn Discipio, Bryan Middle School Principal.

Churchville Middle School will receive some of the most significant and necessary updates. First and foremost, a secure entrance will be installed to ensure the safety and security of all students, staff, and facilities. This is a top priority for District 205, and every possible step is being taken to achieve this goal. Churchville will also benefit from a gym divider cur tain, which can be used in various ways to divide the gym and allow for multiple school and sporting events to occur at the same time. Additionally, slated for the 2024 construction season, the District is designing a new auditorium for Churchville which will bring tremendous joy to the Charger community efforts will continue throughout the remainder of the year and into the summer, so that everything is in place and ready to go when the new school year begins in the fall.

Both students and staff are eagerly waiting for the completion of these updates. Whether it’s by sparking their creativity in the new Makerspace or providing more flexible classroom options, these changes will greatly benefit them. “All of the work that is being done in the schools is student centered,” said Todd Schmidt, District 205 Director of Operations. “We are thrilled to be able to provide high-quality flexible learning spaces that also enhance safety and security.”

In addition to the construction at Fischer, all of our middle schools will also be undergoing significant updates to enhance learning spaces. Bryan Middle School, Churchville Middle School, and Sandburg Middle School will all be receiving a variety of interior renovations to enhance the building and provide students and staff with improved facilities.

Bryan Middle School is set to receive a wide range of construction updates that will transform the interior and exterior design of the school. These

Lastly, Sandburg Middle School will also undergo both interior and exterior construction updates. The front parking lot will be repaved, giving it a fresh and modern look. In terms of interior updates, an emergency generator will be installed, and a new HVAC unit will be added to the auditorium. The auditorium stage lighting and rigging will also be replaced, and the gym will be given a new coat of paint, making it feel brand new. Sandburg Middle School will also benefit from two other necessary renovations that will greatly enhance the school. The media center will be renovated, helping to ensure that students can explore their creativity and imagination. Additionally, an ADA accessible route will be added to the cafeteria, to provide access for individuals with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or mobility devices. This renovation will continue to benefit students with disabilities for years to come. These updates were necessary for Sandburg Middle School and will be utilized fully to enhance the school’s overall experience.

With all of these changes being made to our schools, we will begin to see the benefits and how they will positively impact our students’ experience We are grateful for the support of the D05 community that has made it possible for us to continue improving our schools. This work positively impacts student outcomes and continues to elevate the Elmhurst D205 community as a great place to live and raise a family. Thank you for your continued support in making our schools the best they can be.