Major Measure M Modernization Work Underway at MCSD Schools
Crews are hard at work this summer making significant improvements to several Merced City School District campuses. These projects align with the district’s priority to provide safe, secure facilities that support 21st century learning. Many of the schools are receiving extensive upgrades thanks to Measure M, which voters approved in 2014. That work is closely monitored by a Citizens Bond Oversight Committee. Here are some of the highlights:
FREMONT ELEMENTARY (Funded through Measure M): This summer all permanent classrooms are being completely remodeled to create spaces that are comfortable, energy-efficient, and feature cutting edge technology. This includes new flooring, cabinets, countertops, sinks, fresh paint, and other interior finishes. Modern projector systems are being added, with large magnetic white boards and upgraded Wi-Fi connectivity. Crews are also installing new HVAC systems that distribute air evenly to keep students and staff cool in the summer and warm in the winter while also improving air quality. The front office is being relocated to a room on the S Street side of the campus (where a new parking lot and drop-off area will be constructed in the fall). The goal is to improve safety and access for students and families by moving the main entrance away from busy R Street. Other improvements include:
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Re-roofing of old canopies over the interior walkways
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Installation of bright new LED lighting in the hallways
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Addition of new drought tolerant landscaping and efficient new irrigation systems
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Relocation of noisy refrigeration equipment to new outdoor enclosure to create more space in the cafeteria and make it more enjoyable for meals, performances and assemblies
Additional work will take place at Fremont Elementary this fall, including:
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Removal of five old portables after new modular classrooms are installed to replace them
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Creation of a new courtyard with fresh landscaping and benches for outdoor learning
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Construction of new parking lot and drop off/pick up area along S Street, which will lead into the new main entrance and front office
WRIGHT ELEMENTARY (Funded through Measure M): Extensive upgrades to the cafeteria/multipurpose room and kitchen at Charles Wright Elementary are nearly complete. This includes a new HVAC system to replace the old evaporative coolers, which were the last remaining in the district. These improvements will make the building more comfortable for students and staff, improve the air quality, and create a quieter space for assemblies, performances, and other events. The cafeteria also has new interior finishes for posting student work and visual displays, a custom paint job, and a new projector that will be a welcome addition for a variety of purposes, including school/community meetings and even family movie nights. The stage area has been transformed into a more user-friendly theatre space with cabinets for performing arts equipment and ADA upgrades. The kitchen has also been updated with modern equipment and fresh paint.
RIVERA ELEMENTARY (Funded through developer fees): Three new modular classrooms have been constructed to accommodate increased enrollment. Sidewalks, hand-railing, fencing, electrical and low-voltage/data systems, as well as irrigation system upgrades are now being installed. This work will all be complete before the Dragons return to school next month.
HOOVER MIDDLE SCHOOL (Funded through Measure M): Work is underway to create a student commons/outdoor learning area. Crews are erecting a large metal canopy shade structure where teachers can lead outdoor activities and students can enjoy lunch and socializing. New trees are being planted, dead trees are being removed, and additional site and access road improvements are also on schedule.
TENAYA MIDDLE SCHOOL (Funded through Local Control Accountability Plan): A new innovation lab is being created for hands-on science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) learning experiences. This versatile facility will include space for video production and other collaborative projects. It will replace the old wood and metal shop, which is no longer being utilized as it was in the past due to changes in technology and the way students learn. This project is in the final planning/preparation phases, and construction will begin in the fall. (Hoover Middle School was the first to receive an innovation lab last year, and Rivera Middle School will be next after Tenaya). Also at Tenaya, the final phase of a multi-year re-roofing project funded through Measure M is on schedule and represents a significant infrastructure improvement for the campus.
SHEEHY ELEMENTARY (Funded through Measure M): Aging student restrooms are getting a complete makeover that will result in cleaner, brighter facilities. The upgrades include new sinks, fixtures, partition panels, plumbing, mirrors, ventilation equipment, fresh paint, LED lighting, and flooring repairs. Crews are also installing efficient new electric hand dryers that will help keep the restrooms clean while minimizing operational costs from the waste and disposal of paper towels.
MUIR AND BURBANK ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS (Funded through Prop. 39): The solar arrays at these sites had additional photovoltaic (PV) panels installed on them this summer. This will maximize their capacity to save energy costs and create more shade for students to enjoy. Arrays were installed at a total of 11 MCSD sites during the 17-18 school year, and the system is projected to save the district more than $7.9 million in electricity costs over the next 25 years. Prop. 39 funding also allowed the district to install efficient new HVAC systems and LED lighting at Muir, Burbank, Reyes, and Gracey. That work was completed this summer as well.
DISTRICTWIDE (Funded through Measure M): Plans are being finalized for additional security cameras to be installed at all sites later this summer and in the fall. These will bring the total number of cameras across MCSD to nearly 400. The cameras complement recent lighting upgrades, new security fencing, improved window tinting, upgraded classroom doors that lock from the inside, and other safety features.
These are just the latest in a long list of facilities upgrades, primarily funded through Measure M. You can read much more about the work completed in recent years by clicking on the CBOC reports on this page of our website: http://www.mcsd.k12.ca.us/District/Department/1-Facilities/Portal/citizens-bond-oversight-committee
More than a thousand students from throughout the Merced City School District are enjoying a variety of fun and interactive learning opportunities during Summer Academy.
They’re getting a chance to create their own math games, produce videos, make instruments, conduct science experiments, and much more! There are also special performances, assemblies, and educational excursions to places such as local zoos, museums, colleges, and universities. The content is further supported through literature, computer simulations, and art projects.
All of the activities and other classroom instruction are based around integrated STEAM learning – science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics. This approach helps students develop 21st century skills including critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity.
The session started June 18 and will continue through July 13. The classes are open to children who are going into kindergarten through 8th grade. They are being held at Sheehy Elementary, Givens Elementary, and the MCSD STEAM Center. At the end of the program, students will present their projects to their families and peers during a special showcase.
Summer Academy also offers online programs for foreign language and mathematics. Students enrolled in those courses can work from home at their own pace but also have the option of attending classes at the school sites for extra support and unique learning opportunities that incorporate art into both subjects. Those who meet certain math requirements this summer will be eligible for advanced math classes in the fall, setting them on an accelerated college/career path by completing high school requirements while still in middle school.
MCSD began offering Summer Academy in 2013 to give students more time to learn, and it has continued to evolve into an enriching experience that students, parents, and staff look forward to each year.
The Merced City School District is pleased to announce the promotion of Mr. David Garza to Rivera Elementary Principal for the 18-19 school year. He previously served as Assistant Principal for Rivera Middle School. The Board of Education approved this promotion at the June 26 meeting. Mr. Garza will be taking over for Ms. Catherine Puckett, who retired at the end of the school year.
Personnel will now be recruiting for two assistant principal/learning director positions. To learn more, please visit our employment web page.
It’s hard to believe that another school year has already come to an end! The past few weeks were packed with excitement for students and staff throughout the Merced City School District. After months of hard work, they had a chance to enjoy a variety of celebrations…from talent shows and dance festivals to awards ceremonies and graduations.
As we look back on the 2017-2018 school year, many different milestones and achievements come to mind. One that really stands out is the opening of our state of the art STEAM Center in August. This was a project many years in the making, which came to fruition thanks to the dedication of countless people including Board members, administrators, teachers, classified staff, parents, and community partners. All of our students in TK-8th grade had an opportunity to visit the center this year to experience hands-on learning in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math, which complemented their classroom lessons. We saw many of those priceless “lightbulb” moments as children made the connection between challenging topics and their real world applications. Those moments made all of the planning and hard work worthwhile.
We also began the process of building Innovation Labs at all of our middle schools, we completed a districtwide solar array project that is projected to save more than $7.9 million in energy costs over the next 25 years, and we finished dozens of Measure M modernization projects at several campuses. The year also included educational excursions to Yosemite National Park, Farm 2U, Merced Symphony Children’s Concerts, and many other eye-opening destinations all around us. Our students excelled in the county spelling bee and STEM fair, and they won the inaugural MCSD Invitational Battle of the Books! One group of students even made history by defeating high school teams to win a quiz competition. Our students shined in sporting events, performing arts showcases, and leadership programs. We were equally as proud of those who showed great personal progress and those who gave back to our community in a variety of ways, from cancer fundraisers to random acts of kindness.
It really has been a wonderful and fulfilling year, and we know the best is yet to come. Through our Local Control Accountability Plan, we are working with stakeholders to ensure that students throughout our district have the resources they need to succeed. We are analyzing what’s working and where we can make adjustments to continue to improve. We are using modern technology to enhance experiences for students, staff, and families, while never forgetting the power of interpersonal relationships. We hope everyone has a wonderful break, and we look forward to seeing many of you at our Summer Academy, starting June 18!
All MCSD students entering 6th, 7th or 8th grade are invited to participate in a free dance camp!
It will be held July 30-August 3rd from 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the MCSD STEAM Center, located at 2900 Green Street (next to Ada Givens Elementary).
Join us to learn more about dance technique, color guard, and musical theater. Each morning will begin with instruction in dance technique. Special sessions will address proper alignment for the best leaps and turns. Time will be given to each middle school to introduce choreography for 18-19 school year projects. There will also be information on injury prevention and maintaining a healthy lifestyle as a dancer.
Participants in this camp will have an opportunity to perform at the MCSD Staff Welcome at the historic Merced Theatre on August 10.
Registration forms should be dropped off or mailed to the address below by July 16:
PDC
Attn: Laurelyn Kennard
1730 E. Brookdale
Merced, CA 95340
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