GWCS Building Expansion Project
| Community Updates |
Building Expansion Ribbon Cutting!
On April 22, we officially opened the doors to our new building expansion with a joyful ribbon cutting and opening ceremony led by our incredible Student Ambassadors. Families, staff, and community partners gathered to celebrate this exciting milestone as we unveiled our new science classroom, greenhouse, and collaborative learning spaces. These additions will help support our mission and deepen our commitment to hands-on, environmental learning. Thank you to everyone who joined us for this special moment—we’re thrilled for all that lies ahead!
Please note that building expansion construction has begun. During the construction project, we will utilize different entrances throughout the day.
- The building's temporary main entrance is located down the long sidewalk to the right of the building.
- All construction areas are fenced off and covered with student art. For everyone’s safety, students and families should not enter the fenced off construction areas or attempt to look through the fencing.
- We anticipate the building expansion will be completed by March 2025, and we look forward to welcoming everyone into the space then!
- The driveway will be open in the morning for student drop off, but closed the remainder of the day. Families with late arrivals or early dismissals are required to park off campus and walk down to the main entrance.
- Due to construction, students in grades 1-8 will enter the building through the meadow. Staff will be on site to direct students to the temporary arrival entrance. Kindergarten students will enter through the temporary main entrance located to the right of the building.Parents are welcome to walk their students to the beginning of the pathway where staff will be on site to assist students into the building.
1/27 Update: Progress continues on our building expansion, and we’re excited to share what’s new! Most of the recent work has focused on the interior—walls, wiring, plumbing, and windows! You can really see the spaces beginning to take shape!
Coming up next, we’ll see the addition of a wood façade detail to the building’s exterior, as well as painting and flooring to complete the space.
Coming up next, we’ll see the addition of a wood façade detail to the building’s exterior, as well as painting and flooring to complete the space.
11/14 Update:You may have noticed some pretty big changes on the construction site! The roof installation is in full swing, and windows are nearly complete, and this week the exterior walls are also going up! We are on track to be watertight by Thanksgiving!
11/1 Update:
The green house skylights and storefront framing are almost complete! Natural light will soon flood our new spaces, creating an inspiring environment for our students.
The green house skylights and storefront framing are almost complete! Natural light will soon flood our new spaces, creating an inspiring environment for our students.
10/17 Update: Exciting progress is underway! Here's what’s happening-
- Installation of structural clips to tie in the addition to our existing building!
- Storefront installation work has officially begun!
- The spaces on the inside are becoming defined as interior framing wraps up!
9/26 Update:We’re making great strides on the construction project! With interior framing taking shape and the exterior waterproofing underway, our vision is certainly coming to life!
9/6/24 Update:
You may have heard some loud sounds during drop-off the last few mornings! That's because the exterior framing for our new building is in full swing. We’re excited to the building taking shape!
8/20/24 Update:
Today the concrete is being poured, and the foundation for the building expansion is taking shape!
8/15/24 Update:
The construction team is currently prepping the site for the next big step in our expansion—the pouring of the concrete foundation. This phase is crucial as it sets the groundwork for the entire building. Careful preparation is underway to ensure a strong and stable base for the new structure.
8/6/24 Update:
🚧 Progress Alert! 🚧 Check out the steel and decking that are now in place! Up next is the exterior wall demolition and concrete pouring. The project is on track to wrap up Winter 2025!
7/30/24 Update:
What a difference a week makes! Steel beams are being put in place this week, and our building expansion starting to take shape!
7/23/24 Update:
Check out the concrete outline of the building expansion!
This crucial step sets a strong base for the next phase of construction. We're now ready to move forward with the steel installation that will form the framework of our new space.
This crucial step sets a strong base for the next phase of construction. We're now ready to move forward with the steel installation that will form the framework of our new space.
7/16/24 Update: We're making great strides with our building project. The structural steel and decking are coming along beautifully, and we've added a temporary walkway for visitors. Stay tuned for more exciting updates!
7/3/24 Update: Exciting times ahead! 🏗️🚧 Construction has officially begun on the GWCS school building expansion. We can't wait to see our vision come to life and provide even more amazing spaces for learning and growth.
Why The Need For A Building Expansion?
Space - Safety - Mission
On April 21, 2022, the GWCS Board of Trustees approved a building addition that addressed three areas:
Space: The reclamation of common space from the conversion of our 3rd floor Media Center and Teacher’s lounge into classroom spaces as a result of the COVID 19 Pandemic.
Safety: Enhance our front entrance area by adding another vestibule and adult bathroom on the first floor.
Mission: Align to our mission with the addition of a greenhouse, STEM lab, and Environmental Science room.
What To Expect and FAQ
When will construction begin and how long will construction last?
Construction is currently anticipated to begin in Summer 2024 with an anticipated completion during the 2024-25 school year.
Safety for students?
The construction site will be off limits to staff and students with the use of barricades, gates and clear signage. In addition, agreements will be made with the construction staff on appropriate start and finish times as well as a clear no contact policy with students.
What will construction impact?
Construction will most notably impact our existing front entrance. A new front entrance path and entry will be created (Highlighted in Red). This path will meet ADA and egress (Fire Drill, Lockdowns) compliance requirements as well as accommodate visitors and deliveries.
Construction will most notably impact our existing front entrance. A new front entrance path and entry will be created (Highlighted in Red). This path will meet ADA and egress (Fire Drill, Lockdowns) compliance requirements as well as accommodate visitors and deliveries.
How will construction affect morning arrival,dismissal and parking?
Morning arrival and dismissal will happen as normal. Car drop off will continue in the mornings and parents/guardians will walk down during dismissal. However, the parking spots in the driveway will be fenced off and used as a construction lay down area. Handicap parking spaces will still be made available.
Morning arrival and dismissal will happen as normal. Car drop off will continue in the mornings and parents/guardians will walk down during dismissal. However, the parking spots in the driveway will be fenced off and used as a construction lay down area. Handicap parking spaces will still be made available.
How will construction affect lunches and school activities that are typically held in the space?
Partitions and zipper walls will be constructed internally to separate construction from school activities. This will allow use of the spaces. However, all measures will be taken to avoid adjacent use of the space (Noise) during the school day.
Partitions and zipper walls will be constructed internally to separate construction from school activities. This will allow use of the spaces. However, all measures will be taken to avoid adjacent use of the space (Noise) during the school day.
How will construction affect recess?
The circle will be managed for use and students will have full access to the Meadow.
The circle will be managed for use and students will have full access to the Meadow.
