On the first day of school each year, there’s always those few students who others look at with curious interest – they’re new, or they look different from a hairdo or growth spurt. Usually most students don’t look at the building with the same curiosity, but that’s what will happen at many Cherry Creek schools on Aug. 23, the first day of school.
More than 1.6 million square feet of space have been renovated in schools built between 1958 and 1982. Thirteen elementary schools, two middle schools and two high schools have gotten major renovations, while two other high schools and two other middle school have gotten lighting and mechanical improvements.
The elementary schools getting major make-overs are Arrowhead, Cimarron, Cottonwood Creek, Greenwood, Heritage, High Plains, Homestead, Meadow Point, Mission Viejo, Ponderosa, Sagebrush, Trails West and Willow Creek. Many classrooms were remodeled, ceilings and flooring were replaced, and lighting was upgraded, all of which will enhance the teaching and learning environment for staff and students.
Campus and West middle schools and Overland and Smoky Hill high schools were renovated. Getting lighting and mechanical improvements were Laredo and Prairie middle schools and Cherry Creek and Eaglecrest high schools.
Two new schools are also under construction, and district support offices are being built as well. Pine Ridge Elementary, plans to open on Aug. 23, near Southlands Mall. The Institute for Science and Technology at the Overland and Prairie Campus will be completed in 2011. A new Instructional Support Center, which will house the East Admissions Office, Information Systems and other support departments, is under construction near Thunder Ridge Middle School.
