By Rosemary Daniels
While students are sunning, sleeping late and finishing last-minute summer reading, schools are tweaking, renovating and prepping to welcome students back for the new school year.
Here are some improvements a few of the Two River area schools have been working on this summer:
Atlantic Highlands Elementary School – This 95-year old school had undergone major renovations in the past few years, capped off with the completion of a roof replacement this summer.
Henry Hudson Regional School – The school has completed a new roof, and added an extra set of double doors and a security window, both funded by NJ R.O.D. grants. The school has also added an AP Environmental Science Lab, with a gift from The Front Porch Club in Atlantic Highlands. An upgrade to both athletic fields, and a redesign of the guidance area complete the list of improvements. All projects are on schedule for completion prior to the first day of school.
Highlands Elementary School – HES has created a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art +Design and Math – the STEM subjects. Art + Design) room/Makerspace, painted six classrooms, and shined the 85-year old floors so they look like new. Air-conditioning has been added to two upstairs classrooms.
Holmdel High School – Renovations are underway at the library, new floors and additional seating are being installed. The school is also making upgrades to its “dance studio,” which includes new mirrors and flooring. Some additional outdoor seating for the students is being considered.
Mater Dei Prep – Mater Dei Prep is taking a little-used Commons area and creating a flexible student-centered teaching and learning facility. Construction will include new walls and ceilings, with dividers to split the room into smaller breakout spaces for multiple meetings. Uses of the room will include: student testing, faculty training, college counseling, guest lectures and meeting rooms for clubs and activities. The external campus will also get a facelift, with more than 100 new trees, shrubs and perennials sporting the traditional MDP blue and white motif. New stage and window curtains have been installed in Memorial Hall to absorb light and sound during theatrical and athletic events.
Middletown School District – The schools in Middletown are working to complete the following projects for the 2016-2017 school year:
- Security cameras are being replaced or upgraded in all 17 school buildings.
- The track at Middletown North is being replaced.
- The bubbles at High School North and High School South are undergoing HVAC replacements.
- Floor tiles at Lincroft Elementary and ceilings at Nut Swamp are currently being replaced.
- Renovations are being made to the kitchen and cafeteria line at Thompson and Thorne Middle Schools.
Ranney School – The Ranney School is renovating part of its Middle and Upper school to create a new Student Center. The open floor plan and modular furniture will allow space for work pods and mobile workstations. The school is also renovating portions of its Visual Arts Center to create an Innovation Lab for Middle and Upper School students. The new lab will feature various workstations and technologies, including woodworking, 3-D printers, glass and ceramic kilns, textiles, and a large format photo printer.
Red Bank Regional – After completing several major improvements in 2015 – including new gym floor, new fitness center, and re-constructing major classrooms – Red Bank Regional spent this summer on necessary maintenance, which included new flooring and paint for the cafeteria.
St. John Vianney High School – The school has completely renovated its chemistry lab, with all new furniture, flooring and equipment. The art room has also been renovated with new furniture, shelving and storage areas. All lighting in the building has been switched to LED, and all of the gym bleachers have been re-furbished.
All these changes – and more to come – will help make schools safe, up-to-date and ready for students in September.
