High school renovations focus on student opportunities
Phase II of the Community High School District 94 capital plan has begun.
Approximately 12,000 square feet of space will be remodeled during the summer to create more student-centered areas within West Chicago Community High School, including the creation of a reception area near Entrance H, a Student Services Center, a Student Activity Center, and a new nurse's office.
A number of staff relocations had to occur to accommodate the remodeling. Last December, nine district-level staff members vacated the administrative office area and were relocated off the high school campus. Under a lease agreement with the city of West Chicago, the new District Office is located at 157 W. Washington St., West Chicago. The remainder of the staff in this area were relocated temporarily to conference rooms, and once school ended, to classrooms.
Work began during the last week of school in the former administrative office area, just off Commons (the student cafeteria) at Entrance H. The entire area was gutted, making way for a new Student Services Center that will include the counselors, social workers, psychologists, deans and school resource officers. Previously these staff members were scattered throughout the building in various locations. This change was made specifically to help students and parents connect to resources in a "one-stop shop" environment. While it will be easier for a student or parent to find the resources they need, it also will allow for increased articulation among these staff members, again to benefit our students.
Entrance H is being reconfigured and will become the main visitor entrance. A new entrance door and reception area will be located in the previous nurse's office. When parents and visitors arrive, they will be greeted by a receptionist who will direct them to the appropriate staff member or area of the building.
Another addition to this area, accessible through Commons, will be a College and Career Center. Students will be able to visit this area during lunch or study hall periods to explore college and career options. On the north side of Commons, in the area that previously housed the counselors, will be a Student Activity Center. Students will be able to meet in the center's conference room, learn about activities and clubs offered at the school, and visit the student-run bookstore.
The nurse's office is being relocated near Entrance A. Once school begins, students who are going home ill may be picked up at Entrance A.
We are excited about these student-centered changes and look forward to providing new opportunities for our students. Visit our construction page, d94.org/construction, often to check on our progress.
• Doug Domeracki is superintendent of Community High School District 94 in West Chicago. His column appears in Neighbor monthly during the school year.