Category Archives: 21st century schools

Parker ES to open new building after Spring Break

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With construction nearing completion, Parker Elementary School staff are making plans to move into their new building over Spring Break and open their doors to students on March 19.

The project is more than 80 percent complete. Interior painting and flooring are underway, and crews will finish pouring exterior driveways and walkways later this week.

“We’re really excited to get moved into our new school,” Parker Principal Lori Frodine said, praising the unique architecture of the new building. “It’s such a cool building with a lot of great space.”

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HISD to hold subcontractor outreach session for rebuilding of Harvey-damaged schools

The HISD Business Assistance Supplier Diversity team is holding an outreach session on Friday for minority- and women-owned business enterprises (M/WBE) interested in working as subcontractors on the projects to rebuild four schools damaged by Hurricane Harvey.

Last week, the HISD Board of Education selected Satterfield & Pontikes Construction as the Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) tasked with overseeing the demolition and construction of the four elementary schools – Kolter, Mitchell, Braeburn, and Scarborough. Continue reading →

New Lamar HS to facilitate innovative approach to learning

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At Lamar High School, it’s not uncommon to see a massive crane hoisting steel columns and beams into the air as crews work to rebuild the school as part of the 2012 Bond Program.

The $122.9 million project began vertical construction last November with the installation of the new building’s first upright column. Steel installation has been underway since then, recently reaching as high as the third floor of the building’s north wing.

While crews construct the physical structure, Lamar Principal James McSwain is working with educators to ensure furniture and interior features of the new building enhance the school’s innovative new teaching methods. Continue reading →

Construction on new Washington HS nearing completion

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Washington High School students and staff are edging closer to moving into their new building with the construction project now 85 percent complete.

Tile flooring and doors have been installed, as have cabinetry, countertops, and fume hoods in the career and technology classrooms, science and agricultural labs, and computer-aided design spaces. Crews are installing bathroom fixtures and sinks in the science and engineering labs where painting and floor staining also are underway.

In addition, crews are nearly done painting the auditorium and administrative offices and wrapping up installation of the school’s elevator.

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Sam Houston MSTC construction makes steady progress

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Construction on the new $118.9 million Sam Houston Math, Science, and Technology Center is now 40 percent complete, with permanent power — a significant milestone for the project — expected to be connected by late March.

Tilt-wall installation is expected to wrap up later this month. Concrete slabs have been poured in all areas, and two sections of the complex are now completely enclosed. Crews are continuing to install sections of the roof, as well as mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.

Sizwe Lewis, HISD senior manager of construction services, said the project experienced some weather-related delays, but he is hopeful that the crew can make up the time and remain on schedule. Continue reading →

Bond Oversight Committee tours North Forest HS, hears update on bond and building programs

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The Houston Independent School District Bond Oversight Committee got an up-close and personal look at a 21st-century learning environment on Tuesday when they toured the new North Forest High School during their regular quarterly meeting.

The eight-member group gathered first in the auditorium for a brief introduction and a chance to see the space’s retractable seating, before moving on to the dramatic main hall, which serves as a focal point for the school.

The space features modern chandeliers and lots of windows providing both natural light and views of the surrounding landscape. It connects to a food-court-style dinning commons with two levels of flexible seating. Continue reading →

Wharton DLA construction project nears halfway mark

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Construction on the new Wharton Dual Language Academy is almost halfway complete, with structural steel erected for the building addition and exterior and interior wall framing underway.

Roof installation and interior wall framing of the existing building also are nearly complete, and the parking and driveway areas have been poured.

“We’re looking forward to having a modern, 21st-century building,” Wharton Principal Jennifer Day said, noting that she and her staff were already looking forward to moving into the facility. “I love how the design incorporates the historical building with the new.”

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Milby HS awarded LEED Silver certification

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Milby High School has achieved Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification for its new building, which was constructed as part of HISD’s 2012 Bond Program.

Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council, LEED certification provides independent verification of a building’s green features and is the most widely used green building rating system in the world.

Green schools offer improved air quality, lighting, temperature control, and acoustics, as well as reduced operating costs — all of which enhance the overall learning environment and have been shown to boost student health, test scores, and faculty retention. Continue reading →

Construction on final phase of Worthing HS passes halfway mark

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The second and final phase of construction at Worthing High School has officially passed the halfway mark, Project Advisory Team members learned during their quarterly meeting on Wednesday.

Crews have installed the steel portion of the structure. Most metal stud framing for interior walls, doors, and windows is complete, concrete has been poured for the main parking lot and bus drive, and installation of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems is underway.

Also complete are renovations to the original building, including work on the auditorium stage, music rooms, restrooms, locker rooms, and clinic. Continue reading →

Final phase of renovations underway at YWCPA

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Construction at Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy is now 85 percent complete, with first- and second-floor renovations finished and work on third-floor classrooms well underway.

Demolition on the third floor is nearing completion. Ductwork and plumbing have been installed and light fixture replacement and roof installation are in process. In addition, auditorium renovations, including installation of new lighting, ceiling, carpeting, and HVAC system are all underway.

“The space is phenomenal,” YWCPA Principal Dr. April Williams said. “It’s a nice feeling to know that construction will be completed this summer.”

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