Update for the Week 6/1/2012

With the start of summer it takes a little time to adjust to the lack of “noise” that usually echoes through our hallowed halls.  It certainly feels a little strange to walk around and not see a single person, but luckily for us it won’t be long before students return and the hum of activity is back.

First, congrats to the boys’ tennis team on their State Championship!  I believe their win wraps up our fourth Des Moines Register All-Sports Championship.  What a great accomplishment for our student-athletes.  We should all be proud of their dedication and commitment to success.  

The first part of the summer is usually spent cleaning up any loose ends that were put on the back burner  because of end of the year activities .  This year is no different.  This week we finished up the master schedule, calendar, and student handbook, we determined scholarship grants and held our end of the year meeting with our auditors.   Despite the students getting some much needed time off, we are all still working hard to make sure that next year begins in a positive way.  Thanks to all those who are making sure that happens.  

We continue our preparation for next year’s 1:1 initiative.  We are in the final stages of device testing and hope to have a decision made by late June.  Updates will be sent via email, so be on the lookout if you have a junior or senior student.  

The daycare addition is progressing well and the electricians will be starting next week.  We also have committed to the replacement of approximately 500 feet of domestic hot water pipes located in the tunnels beneath the school. Given the construction practices used in the 1950s, these pipes are covered in asbestos and the constant trapping of moisture has sped the corrosion and deterioration process. After evaluation by three qualified plumbing contractors, it was determined that replacement is essential, and delaying replacement would create a significant risk of flooding within the school as the result of a bursting pipes. This project will be completed this summer.  

If time permits we will begin renovating a couple classrooms in the academic area.  The first is the physics room, which needs some serious upgrades.  The second is the publications lab, which could be upgraded to provide an environment more conducive to learning in an online world. 

Have a great weekend!