School has started, and each day now sees bikes piled by the new entrance at William Kelley School. Now almost complete, the main doors feature a more secure entry – a buzzer into an entryway with two sets of doors – one leading into the school, and the other leading into the office suite, with glass doors optimizing visibility.
In the elementary wing, the old lockers have been replaced with 18-inch wide lockers, giving students more storage space. The corridors throughout the school have also been updated from the old pink tile to a modern gray tile. Installation is finishing up on the display case and reading nook in the elementary wing. New furniture has arrived and was assembled recently, including all new rolling desks with removable drawers. The elementary classrooms also feature active seating – some ottomans and balance stools, and a standing desk. High school classrooms have several standing desks.
The ceiling of the high school gymnasium has been completed, with the new look providing a feeling of extra spaciousness and light. The first home volleyball game was held in the gym recently, and Principal Dan Johnson recalls lots of positive comments on the ceiling.
Epoxy flooring has been put in the computer lab, and some new workstations were created to free up space. The cafeteria features a new door leading outside, and the kitchen is fully functioning again, with a new serving line. Hall doors throughout the school have been brought up to code, a process that involved moving the doors back approximately ten feet. Locker rooms are well on their way to completion, and a locker room area for teachers and coaches is also in progress.
The new FACS (Family and Consumer Science) room is poised to install the stoves and stove vents, with the hope being for the room to be ready by the end of the month. It is also a goal to have that space as a possibility for community education cooking classes.
In the high school wing nearest to Horn Boulevard, the addition of the arts and music suite will be opening up a new, windowed study space for students. Downstairs, the new tech room has received an epoxy flooring, and is finishing installation of equipment and furnishings.
The arts and music suite is still under construction, and is taking shape as the rooms are being framed. The suite will feature spacious classrooms for art, band, and choir, as well as practice rooms, restrooms, and an accessible stage entrance. The entrance to this suite (facing Horn) is windowed, allowing plenty of light into the area.
An open house will be held at William Kelley September 17th, offering community members a chance to see the new construction for themselves. The staff of William Kelley thank the community for being understanding as construction continues into this school year.
