Curtain lifts on final elements of Jefferson School’s multimillion-dollar renovation

--- Published on December 19th 2018 ---
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New exterior of Jefferson School

Jefferson School Principal Danisha Keeler said her campus community is very excited these days – and for good reason.

“It’s beautiful,” she said simply.

Ms. Keeler was talking about the school’s multimillion-dollar renovation project, the final chapter of which occurred recently when the main office and library were reopened to students, staff and parents.

“It makes a huge difference,” she said. “I think the kids, the families, our community, they love what they see. They’re really taking ownership of our school and maintaining how it looks and how nice it is.”

Most Jaguar students moved into refurbished classrooms when school began in August, marking an exciting new chapter for a school that is in the process of converting from an elementary to a K-8 campus, with new learning opportunities for all students. Seventh grade was added this year. Eighth grade will be offered in 2019-20.

All Jefferson classrooms received new, movable desks and chairs that fit together easily for collaborative group learning. Apple TVs were added as well, providing new learning opportunities for a school that already offers enhanced online learning: Every student has access to a Chromebook in every classroom – except those in Transitional Kindergarten, where iPads are used instead.

Nearly all classrooms also were upgraded with new carpet, lighting, air conditioning, and other improvements to enhance the learning environment. The only exceptions were Jefferson’s relocatable buildings, which did not receive those more permanent improvements because plans call for their removal within two years, replaced by a new two-story classroom building to serve Jefferson’s conversion to K-8. Plans also call for a gym and locker room.

Jefferson began this school year with new roofing, heating, air conditioning, paint, phone, and clock/bell/intercom systems. The school’s internet capacity was upgraded, enhancing online speed and connectivity. 

The Jaguar library received a major makeover, featuring movable book shelves and movable desks that fit together easily, for example. The room can be converted easily to meeting space for community gatherings or multi-classroom collaboration. Cushions and couches were added to make the library more inviting and comfortable for students to spend additional time reading and researching there.

Jefferson’s safety and security were enhanced as well. The school’s main office and central entrance were refurbished and additional security features were installed. Aging walkways were renovated. The Jaguar quad area, a gathering spot, received new landscaping, new planter boxes, and its outdoor stage was refurbished and seating was added.

“It’s a huge investment,” Keeler said of the school’s modernization, “and it really does build the culture here on campus. (Families) are taking pride in this.”