Campus Enhancements: New Roofs, Walkways, and More

This summer brought a number of exciting improvements to our campus. From new energy-efficient roofs and upgraded drainage systems to refreshed playground benches and modern hydration stations, these projects make our beloved campus safer, more comfortable, and more sustainable. Here’s a look at what’s new around campus!

New roofs We had new energy-efficient “TPO” roofs installed on Tiers 1 and 2. (TPO stands for thermoplastic polyolefin.) These consist of a half-inch layer of insulation topped by a white membrane, which reflects the sun's energy rather than absorbing it like traditional black-shingle roofing material.

Tier 2 walkway and drainage work One of the capital improvements we made this summer was replacing the concrete walkway behind Rooms 9–12 with pavers. The old one was buckling, which created a tripping hazard. The workers also installed French drainage in the area, which ties into our existing storm-drain system, which carries water down to the street. At the same time, a plumbing company was installing several cleanouts that make it easier to service the storm-drain system to prevent it from getting backed up and flooding during the rainy season.

Preschool Garden retaining wall Another capital improvement we made over the summer was this new retaining wall in the preschool garden in front of Rooms 1 and 2. The previous one was made of wood, which was starting to show signs of decay. The new one is made of stone built on a concrete base—it will probably still be standing when today’s crop of preschoolers have children of their own at the school. The space between the retaining wall and the fence (on the left in the photo) is an open area where children fill wheelbarrows with dirt and wheel it somewhere else and dump it. There’s also a small gazebo where they can sit and play.

We were happy to work with Bay Best Construction on this project. Check them out!

New playground benches We began the school year with new benches in our outdoor theater, courtesy of a former student. Justin Theodoropoulos approached the school about doing his Eagle Scout project here. After discussing his skill set and interests with elementary Co-Principal Vince d’Assis and Court Funk, a member of our facilities team, we decided that replacing the wood on the benches was the best fit. Justin planned the project (down to the type of wood to use), managed a fundraiser for it, acquired all the needed materials, then enlisted friends and fellow Eagle Scouts to help with the work. 

“Mini-Split” HVAC  For most of the 70 years since our school was built, the Office and staff break room (across the hall from the Office) relied on a central boiler for heat and window-mounted air conditioners for cool. There were times when the Office staff had to turn off the loud AC unit to talk on the phone, and the boiler had to be cranked up in the middle of the night for the spaces to be warm in the morning. That changed early last month when these workers installed an energy-efficient ductless mini-split HVAC unit that warms and cools both spaces. It’s called a split system because it’s in two parts: a roof-mounted compressor/condenser unit and whisper-quiet wall-mounted indoor “air handlers,” which heat and cool each room independently.

Hydration stations  This second grader is quenching his thirst at a new fountain at the end of Tier 1 by the playground. There are actually two fountains here, one slightly higher than the other, to accommodate children of different heights. To the left of the fountains is sink for filling water bottles and washing hands. We’ve also installed a fountain and water bottle-filling station at the end of the second tier. New fountains are coming to the kindergarten yard and first tier too. The water stations were purchased with the proceeds from the Parent Corral fundraiser in April.

We’re thankful to everyone who helped make these projects happen, from the staff who planned and oversaw the work to the families whose financial support made it possible. Keep an eye out for more projects coming soon!