Algonquin Middle School Construction Status
Chippewa Middle School Construction Status
Cumberland Elementary School Construction Status
Forest Elementary School Construction Status
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2010
Algonquin Middle School Construction Status Update
Thank you for your patience and understanding as District 62 works to address the construction delays resulting from the three-week work stoppage by the Chicago Laborers District Council and Local 150 of the International Union of Operating Engineers, which impacted almost all construction jobs throughout the Chicagoland area – including work on Algonquin Middle School. As indicated in our previous communications on this matter, Algonquin was the District 62 Phase I school most impacted by the delays associated with this work stoppage. Classes for the 2010-2011 school year will begin as scheduled on Monday, August 23. Here are some important updates:
Status of Construction at Algonquin Middle School
- It is our hope and intent that Algonquin Middle School will be approved by the Regional Office of Education for occupancy as scheduled on the first day of school.
- We are pleased to report that a great deal of work has been completed and a number of other projects are nearing completion. We have prioritized projects that impact health and life-safety and instructional space in order to minimize disruption.
- We believe that Algonquin is the optimal learning environment for students and will work to complete the work necessary to secure approval for use and occupancy.
- However, significant work remains to be completed. While crews are working multiple shifts seven days a week, we will not be able to confirm Algonquin’s accessibility until Wednesday, August 18, when the Regional Office of Education will conduct its formal site inspection.
- Should Algonquin be approved for use, work will continue at the site. We anticipate corridors may have clean, safe, but unfinished cement floors and ceiling tiles may not be in place. Instructional technology will be operational. Exterior site work, including parking, sidewalks and curbs, remains a priority for completion prior to the start of school, weather permitting.
- During school hours, workers on site will be screened by their employers and have secured the necessary approvals to receive a “Safe Worker” designation. Criminal background checks will be completed on all workers and they will be held to the same standards of conduct as District 62 employees.
Contingency Plans for Alternate Site Should Algonquin Middle School Not Be Approved for Use on August 23
Because we are committed to providing all students with the high-quality education families have come to expect of our District, the Administration has worked closely with our faculty and staff members to ensure that we maintain the integrity of the District’s learning standards throughout this process. Therefore, we developed and continue to refine contingency plans to secure alternate learning sites should Algonquin Middle School not be approved for use on August 23.
- We secured the necessary approvals to utilize the Des Plaines Park District’s Prairie Lakes Community Center facility, located at 515 East Thacker Street, which is very close to Algonquin Middle School. This facility would be available for use during a three-week period between Park District programming.
- The goal would be to have all Algonquin students begin and end their instructional day at Prairie Lakes. Students who take the bus to school would be transported directly to, and picked up at Prairie Lakes. We are working to develop appropriate parent drop-off and pick-up locations.
- During the academic day, grade-level cohorts of students would be transported by the District to Oakton Community College, located at 1600 East Golf Road in Des Plaines, where they would complete MAP testing.
- In addition, Algonquin students may have the opportunity to participate in academic field trips that align with core curriculum objectives.
- We are continuing to explore the availability of additional alternate learning sites that are appropriate for instructional use. Attendance would be taken at Prairie Lakes at the beginning and end of each day, as well upon arrival at, and departure from, any additional sites where students may travel.
- Parents would be required to submit permission slips that will allow students to participate in activities scheduled at learning sites other than Prairie Lakes.
- Food services, including student breakfast and lunch, will be provided at any alternate learning site utilized. We are currently working to make these arrangements.
Algonquin Middle School Decision Day: Wednesday, August 18
A more detailed communication with specific information regarding the status of Algonquin Middle School, including a final decision on occupancy or information on alternate learning sites, will be provided on Wednesday, August 18. This will include detailed information on transportation pick-ups and drop-offs, food service, extracurricular activities and athletics, and other relevant updates.
- All communications will be delivered electronically via AlertNow and posted on the District 62 website at www.d62.org and on Twitter at @D62Supt.
- Questions or concerns can be emailed to build@d62.org
- Beginning August 18, the District will also activate its Construction Update hotline at 847-553-0612 for up-to-the-minute, school-specific information regarding construction status and its impact on students and staff.
On behalf of the District 62 Board of Education and Administration, thank you for your patience and understand as we work together for our children.
MONDAY, AUGUST 2, 2010
Comments by Jane Westerhold, Superintendent of Schools,
Regarding the Status of District Construction Projects
- I’m going to begin tonight’s meeting with an overview of the status of these projects. Following my remarks, Ray Prokop from the District’s architect and construction management firm, Wight & Company, will provide a brief report with more details on the progress to date.
- As you know, as part of Master Plan for District-wide additions and alterations, this summer, five of our eleven schools are experiencing varying levels of facility improvements designed to enhance the academic environment, increase energy efficiency and accommodate specific life-safety guidelines.
- Prior to a recent strike by the Chicago Laborers District Council and Local 150 of the International Union of Operating Engineers, a majority of District 62 construction projects were scheduled for completion prior to the start of the 2010-2011 school year.
- While the strike was settled on Monday, July 19, the three-week work stoppage impacted almost all construction jobs throughout the Chicagoland area. During this time, work on District 62 summer construction projects was placed on hold.
- We are working closely with the Wight team to continually evaluate progress and prioritize the work yet to be completed. Work recommenced on Tuesday, July 20 and is proceeding with intensity. Construction crews have begun to work seven days a week with multiple shifts to expedite the completion of the remaining construction work, particularly at Algonquin Middle School, which is most impacted by the work stoppage.
- Classes for the 2010-2011 school year will begin as scheduled on Monday, August 23. Additionally, we anticipate that all faculty/staff will have access to prepare their instructional space as scheduled on August 19. Right now, with the exception of Algonquin, it is our full expectation that all students and staff will return to their designated school buildings for classes on the first day of school.
- Our goal is to meet the life safety requirements for Algonquin students and staff and to return to the building as scheduled on August 23. However, the 17-day construction delay is proving very challenging to overcome.
- Therefore, we are actively involved in contingency planning that includes potentially restricting access to certain portions of the building where construction is ongoing and utilizing other sections of the building where work has been completed. Of course, our top priority will be to ensure the safety and integrity of the academic environment for both students and staff, and we will take all necessary precautions in this regard.
- Our contingency planning for Algonquin also includes the identification of potential alternative learning sites for some students should the building not be approved for instructional use by August 23.
- We have cast a wide net and have been contacted by and explored a number of potential venues. We will consider only those sites that can be adapted for a quality educational experience. Our criteria will include safety, appropriateness and ability to be adapted to support teaching and learning, and proximity to Algonquin Middle School.
- Should an alternate site be utilized, construction on Algonquin Middle School will continue at an accelerated pace with the goal of returning all students and staff to this facility at the earliest possible date when safety can be ensured.
- Clearly, we are committed to providing all students the high-quality education families have come to expect of our District. We are collaborating with faculty and staff members to ensure that we maintain the integrity of the District’s learning standards throughout this process.
- We will strive to minimize the number of students and staff impacted by this potential disruption, and are working closely with our teachers to explore options that will make the most sense should an alternative learning site be required.
- The District 62 Board of Education and Administration are committed to ongoing direct, proactive, timely and consistent communications with families, staff and the community as we work to resolve this issue.
- Because we anticipate significant work this week that could impact planning and decision-making, our next communication on this topic will be scheduled for Wednesday, August 11. On that date, we expect to have a plan in place for Algonquin, as well as an update for all District 62 parents and staff about what to expect during those first weeks of school. This includes information about what work remains to be completed, any changes in process or protocol related to pick-ups and drop-offs, school food service, extracurricular activities, etc. Information will be sent to all parents electronically and posted on our District website.
Algonquin parents will receive more detailed information during the previously scheduled mandatory registration session on Wednesday, August 11 from 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and 4:00 P.M. to 8 P.M. at Orchard Place Elementary School.
This information will also be sent to parents electronically and via U.S. Postal Service.
- In the interim, we have posted responses to some frequently-asked-questions on the District’s website and will update these as decisions are made. If you have questions about construction projects at District 62 schools that aren’t answered on the website, please email them to build@d62.org. We’ll do our best to provide you with answers in a timely manner.
- In closing, let me say that now, more than ever, we appreciate the support and understanding of our parents, staff and community as we work to complete the construction work and facilitate a smooth back-to-school transition for our students.
I’m now going to turn it over to Ray Prokop from Wight & Company.
THURSDAY, JULY 22, 2010
Dear Algonquin Middle School Families and Staff:
As indicated in an email communication sent to Des Plaines Community Consolidated School District 62 families and staff earlier this week, five of our eleven schools are experiencing varying levels of facility improvements designed to enhance the academic environment, increase energy efficiency and accommodate specific life-safety guidelines.
Today, I am writing to provide you with some specific information about the status of construction projects at Algonquin Middle School and to clear up any confusion that may have resulted from recent media coverage of this matter.
Prior to a recent strike by the Chicago Laborers District Council and Local 150 of the International Union of Operating Engineers, District 62 construction projects were scheduled for completion prior to the start of the 2010-2011 school year. While the strike was settled yesterday, the three-week work stoppage impacted almost all construction jobs throughout the Chicagoland area. During this time, work on Algonquin Middle School summer construction projects was placed on hold. As reported, work recommenced on Tuesday, July 20 and is proceeding with intensity. We are currently evaluating progress to date and prioritizing the work yet to be completed. We anticipate that construction crews will soon begin working seven days a week with multiple shifts to expedite the completion of the remaining construction work at Algonquin Middle School.
Here are some important things you should know:
- Classes for the 2010-2011 school year will begin as scheduled on Monday, August 23.
- The District is working closely with its architect and construction management firm, Wight & Company, to develop and implement a construction timeline.
Our goal is to have work at Algonquin completed and secure the necessary occupancy permits and approvals necessary for all students and staff to return to the building as scheduled on August 23. However, the 17-day construction delay will be challenging to overcome.
Therefore, we are actively involved in contingency planning that includes restricting access to certain portions of the building where construction is ongoing and utilizing other sections of the building where work has been completed. Of course, our top priority will be to ensure the safety and integrity of the academic environment for both students and staff, and we will take all necessary precautions in this regard.
- Our contingency planning also includes the identification of potential alternative learning sites for some or all Algonquin Middle School students should the building not be approved for instructional use by August 23. We will strive to minimize the number of students and staff impacted by this potential disruption.
As reported in the media, we have cast a wide net and have been contacted by and explored a number of potential venues. We will consider only those sites that can be adapted for a quality educational experience. Our criteria will include safety, appropriateness and ability to be adapted to support teaching and learning, and proximity to Algonquin Middle School.
For example, one option might be the Des Plaines Park District’s Prairie Lakes Complex, which is located very close to Algonquin Middle School. This site could be available for District 62’s instructional use during a two-week period between programming.
Should an alternate site be required, construction on Algonquin Middle School will continue at an accelerated pace with the goal of returning students and staff to this facility at the earliest possible date when safety can be ensured.
- Clearly, we are committed to providing all students the high-quality education families have come to expect of our District. We are currently making plans to collaborate with faculty and staff members to ensure that we maintain the integrity of the District’s curriculum standards throughout this process. Some field trips and guest speakers may be incorporated as appropriate, but full instructional activity will continue as planned.
The District 62 Board of Education and Administration are committed to ongoing direct, proactive, timely and consistent communications with families, staff and the community as we work to resolve this issue. As we further refine our plans, updates will be posted on the District 62 website at www.d62.org and on Twitter at @D62Supt. We anticipate that another parent communication on this document will be delivered via email and posted online later next week.
We are looking forward to the 2010-2011 school year and to your continued support of Des Plaines Community Consolidated School District 62!
Sincerely,
Dr. Jane L. Westerhold
Superintendent of Schools
John Swanson
Principal, Algonquin Middle School
TUESDAY, JULY 20, 2010
Dear Des Plaines Community Consolidated District 62 Families and Staff:
I hope you are having a wonderful summer. I am writing today to update you on the status of the Phase I Master Plan construction projects in progress at District 62 this summer. As you may be aware, five of our eleven schools are experiencing varying levels of facility improvements designed to enhance the academic environment, increase energy efficiency and accommodate specific life-safety guidelines.
Prior to a recent strike by the Chicago Laborers District Council and Local 150 of the International Union of Operating Engineers, all projects were scheduled for completion prior to the start of the 2010-2011 school year. While the strike was tentatively settled earlier today, the three-week work stoppage impacted almost all construction jobs throughout the Chicagoland area. During this time, work on our summer construction projects at Algonquin Middle School, Chippewa Middle School, Cumberland Elementary School, Forest Elementary School and Iroquois Community School was placed on hold, but has recommenced today.
Classes for the 2010-2011 school year will begin as scheduled on Monday, August 23.
The District’s general contract and architect, Wight & Company, will provide an updated timeline for the completion of the work at Algonquin, Chippewa, Cumberland and Forest Schools this week. Work at the site entrance to Iroquois was temporarily completed by District 62 staff and classes began as scheduled on Tuesday, July 13.
We recognize that delays due to the recent strike will likely result in some inconvenience, as work will continue in these buildings through the start of the school year. It is our goal to ensure that all District 62 schools remain safe and conducive to teaching and learning during this process. Therefore, we are currently working to prioritize projects to be completed in order to minimize disruption for students and staff.
As we further refine our plans, updates will be posted on this District 62 website, www.d62.org, and on Twitter at @D62Supt.
Looking forward to the 2010-2011 school year and to your continued support of Des Plaines Community Consolidated School District 62!
Sincerely,
Dr. Jane L. Westerhold
Superintendent of Schools
