District 94 construction nearly complete
Despite the oppressively hot temperatures this summer, the construction projects at West Chicago Community High School stayed on schedule and are nearing completion. We are excited about the enhanced learning opportunities these new spaces will provide for our students.
During the week of Aug. 15, the second floor Science Division was turned back over to us. These classrooms have new lighting, ceiling tiles, paint, flooring, cabinetry, white boards, and a new configuration. Most of the science rooms are now "paired" with another science classroom.
In between the two rooms is a shared storage area and a small flex space that can be used for student testing, student group work, or as a conference room as needed. Furniture and equipment is being moved into science classrooms this week and next.
Another change in this area is the flexible learning space in the Science Division. Located at the intersection of the Senior Hall and the auditorium hallway, this area can be used for presentations or small group work. Near this space, a large window has been installed at the end of the hallway, bringing natural light to this section of the building originally constructed in 1965.
Work continues in the first-floor Mathematics Division. Located at the bottom of the ramp outside Bishop Gym, this area is receiving new lighting, ceiling tiles, paint, flooring, and white boards. A new window has been installed on this floor as well. This area should be turned back over to us the week of Aug. 29 so we have time to prepare the rooms for staff and students.
Twenty new faculty members will be joining us this school year. New administrators include Veronica Lange, World Languages division head; David Pater, student services director (formerly dean of students); and Jenna Windt, dean of students.
New faculty members are Career and Technical Education Division teachers Angela Gentile and Ashley Walsh; Humanities Division teachers Alison Jonesi, Gabriela Raudales and Nicole Stadler; Language Arts Division teachers Jamie Culen and Mary Fremeau; Physical Development Division teachers Jordan Corvella, Thomas Nall and Vincent Walker; Science Division teachers Rebecca Hahn and Adam Singer; Special Education Division teachers Timothy Dovichi and Katelyn Sullivan; World Languages Division teachers Magdalena Bromberg and Andrea Contreras; and social worker Kaitlin Flanigan and guidance counselor Deborah German.
Our doors open for students on Tuesday, Sept. 6. We are excited to welcome our new freshman class and encourage them to explore their interests and get involved in clubs, activities and/or sports right from the start.
Not only is this a great way to meet people, but it immediately enhances their school experience, improves achievement and connects them to the school community in a remarkable way.
We will schedule an open house for the public once the renovation work is finished. Please be on the lookout for the date and time to visit us and see the improvements in the science, mathematics, guidance, Student Activity Center, home economics and child-care facilities that have been completed in the last few years. For a sneak peek, visit the construction photo gallery on our website, d94.org/construction.
I look forward to a great school year!
• Doug Domeracki is superintendent of Community High School District 94. His column appears monthly in Neighbor during the school year.