The overarching goal of the CMS Renewal is to align changes in programming with the CMS building in a fiscally responsible manner while increasing student safety and strengthening our students’ educational experiences. Other key project goals include:
- Increasing the number of team areas
- Expanding & reconfiguring the cafeteria
- Adding an additional elevator
- Adding additional office space
- Adding additional space for PE programming
The Building Committee evaluated the findings of the needs assessment, changes in programming, facility usage and Rockingham County demographics. The single largest need the Committee identified was additional space to address the changes in programming. CMS administrators have developed a variety of creative solutions to fulfill changing needs over the last 5 years. Space, however, is no longer being used as intended. Non-instructional space is being used as instructional space, and curriculum decisions are being influenced by building space.
Our Goals in Action
How the CMS Renewal will meet the project goals.| Goal | Current Situation | Proposed Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Three lunch periods 30 minutes in length served from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. | Six lunch periods 25 minutes in length served from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. | Larger cafeteria with optimized flow patterns which also allows expanded food offerings, and creates academic programming flexibility within the school schedule |
| Every team has a dedicated pod | There are currently four teams that have classes located in different pod areas. | Two new pods |
| Space used as intended | 25+ spaces used for purposes other than designed - see examples | Building renovation & expansion will allow 13 spaces to return to their intended use and space added to accommodate special needs Spaces added to address changes in student support services and special education needs |
| Decrease the distance students and staff must walk to elevator | Building has a single elevator located at back of building (900 feet to the furthest classroom). This elevator must be shared between students with disabilities, injured children & staff on carts | Second elevator added at front of building |
| More thoroughly address shortage of gym space in support of PE curriculum & increase community gym availability | Add multi-purpose area for all PE programming |