Why are we renovating the school?
What exactly is this “construction” project all about?
On a high level, what can I expect to see at the end of the project?
Can you give me some more detail as to the specifics?
When will the construction take place?
What will happen to MDS camp each summer?
How can I get updates on progress?
Why are we renovating the school?
Baruch Hashem, our school has been thriving over the last decade and we currently have record enrollments. Our building infrastructure has just not kept pace with such growth. We desperately need newer classrooms and play spaces, as well as a thorough overhaul of the cabling, wiring and technology throughout the building.
What exactly is this “construction” project all about?
This project is all about taking our current space and using it more efficiently.
While the “shell” of the school building will remain the same, the whole of the inside of the building will be renovated and reconfigured more efficiently. The layout of each floor will be updated to make the best use of space, traffic flow and lighting.
The Board of Directors has investigated various ways in which we can expand our school space and firmly believe that a redesign and reconfiguration of the current space will provide the most effective and cost-efficient solution for our needs. It balances our needs to support our student body without creating an undue financial burden on the school community.
On a high level, what can I expect to see at the end of the project?
At the end of the project you will be able to see bright new classrooms, a new Beit Midrash and libraries, outdoor play spaces for all our students, new bathrooms, and state of the art technology on every floor and in every room. In short, we are fully reconstructing our current school building, and our efforts will dramatically and positively impact every child who walks through our doors each day.
Can you give me some more detail as to the specifics?
The proposed reconstruction of the existing building includes total replacement of all interior construction, to provide a new school building for current and future needs. This includes:
New layout of all floors, providing better utilization of space within building ...
- A separate full floor, by division, for the classrooms and staff, for educational, social and administrative advantage
- Creation of more classrooms, each fully sized and equipped for full classroom populations
- More and larger speech and reading and special ed rooms, with acoustical separations
- Additional interior play space in lower level
- Large additional outdoor roof play space
- Larger, more commodious and welcoming entryway, with dedicated stroller parking
- Larger locker rooms near gym
- More and larger therapy and OT rooms
- A compliant bathrooms on each floor
New systems, consisting of mechanical (HVAC), electrical, plumbing, information and fire safety infrastructure ...
- Greater safety, from improved life safety systems
- Increased comfort levels, from improved ventilation, heating and cooling
- Improved acoustics, from quieter mechanical systems equipment
- Improved energy efficiency, from improved equipment and insulation
Improved educational environment ...
- Better lighting, reducing glare and gloom, creating warmer, friendlier environments
- Better acoustics, reducing distractions by increasing privacy between spaces
- Educational support spaces properly designed for today and tomorrow’s pedagogic functions
- Ample play spaces for improved social and body development
- Increased and improved faculty spaces, to encourage and support the teachers’ well-being
When will the construction take place?
Our goal is to reconstruct the building during the summers of 2007 and 2008, so that we can minimize any disruption to our children during the regular school year.
Construction began on June 13, 2007. In the summer of 2007, we anticipate completing the update of the 3rd and 4th floors, the basement level, as well as the creation of a roof garden.
In the summer of 2008, we plan to complete the remaining parts of the renovation.
As explained above, our goal is to carry out work during the summers of 2007 and 2008. The first phase began on June 13, 2007 and will complete before the school reopens for the 2007/8 school year.
In the summer of 2008, we plan to complete the remaining parts of the renovation so the project will complete in its entirety by the start of the school year of 2008/9.
Please be assured that we have taken all measures possible to avoid disruptions to the children and learning environment. Other than the work over the summers, we strongly believe that this will be no significant impact on the school year.
Unfortunately, the work over the summers has meant that we will not be able to offer our regular summer camp program. We greatly regret not being able to do so, but, on balance, feel that the benefits to the children and to the future of the school more than outweigh the downsides. We look forward to re-opening the camp for the summer of 2009.
What will happen to MDS camp each summer?
Unfortunately, the work over the summer has meant that we will not be able to offer our regular summer camp program in 2007 and 2008. We look forward to re-opening the camp for the summer of 2009.
How can I get updates on progress?
Please look out for regular letters or emails from the school or check our dedicated web portal at http://www.mdsweb.org/construct for the latest updates.
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2007 Manhattan Day School