The whole new Cherry Chase Kindergarten Classroom Wing is almost complete! Kindergartners will have lots to look forward to when we are able to return to in-person instruction.
The project entailed the removal of the four portable classrooms and associated playground along Grape Ave. They were replaced with 6 new modular classrooms complete with a new playground.
Each classroom has new AV systems, the newest technology for interactive learning, and an instructional layout that promotes student engagement and interaction.
In addition to the new kinder classrooms and playground, there is a shade structure, games painted on the blacktop as well as a challenge course unique to Cherry Chase Chargers.
The kinder wing opens up directly to the grass area for easier student access and more manageable supervision for staff.
“I am excited about our new learning space,” said teacher, Jennifer Song. “There is plenty of room in the classroom for kindergarteners to learn, work and play. I can’t wait to see the excitement on the children’s faces when they enter our classroom for the first time!”
This project is one example of how community support is benefiting our students. Our local school bond, Measure G, allows us to improve technology and make all schools more energy efficient. In November 2013, voters in the Sunnyvale School District passed Measure G: a $96 million school bond measure to continue rebuilding Sunnyvale School District. Thank you for your support!
Next up in construction projects will be the modernization of Ellis Elementary, which will include a new two-story classroom wing, a new kindergarten wing and playground, shade structures, a new multi-use building, new parking lot drop off areas and landscape improvements. The Ellis Elementary project is currently in the design phase.
We are also entering phase one of creating our new Facilities Master Plan. LPA, Inc., which was hired to oversee the process, is currently conducting site assessments. A steering committee consisting of our Chief Operations Officer, Capital Projects Coordinator, board members Michelle Maginot and Bridget Watson, Assistant Superintendent Mala Ahuja, Superintendent Michael Gallagher, representatives from the Sunnyvale Education Association and California School Employees Association, as well as an elementary principal and middle school principal, will help with the process.
The Facilities Master Plan will serve as a living document outlining not only maintenance and upgrade needs but also the development of new learning space design standards with the goal to create flexible learning environments. There will be opportunities to participate at the site level in the planning process in the near future so stay tuned!
