Students are Back to Class in a Renovated WHS
WETHERSFIELD - It took a little bit longer for some areas, but Wethersfield High School is open and the building is rolling into the new school year with some new touches.

       A freshly-renovated cafeteria, new classrooms and some additional parking were among the objectives set for completion by Aug. 31, which marked the end of the site’s extensive summer renovation work--part of a larger $85 million project involving three new wings and space in the existing building.

       Due to the unfinished construction of a walk-in freezer, the opening of the kitchen was pushed back a week and students resorted to the Grab and Go service that filled in when the serving area went offline near the end of the last school year.

       â€"We had developed this contingency plan in case things would not be open on time,” said Superintendent of Schools Michael Emmett. â€"So we were seamless.”

       Earlier this summer, Emmett said that students could expect the space to have improved to allow for smoother foot traffic flow and natural light once that space is available.

       Other areas inside the building-the main and guidance office, as well as a slew of new science, English and lab classrooms-have been up and running since the beginning of August. The physics classrooms in particular are getting positive feedback, Emmett said after the school opened.

       â€"So far so good,” he said. â€"Both physics teachers were elated. It’s functional, and we have the latest technology.”

       Meanwhile, the final touches of the botany lab’s green roof--a much anticipated addition--are being finalized, Emmett said.

       Another area that opened the week after the start of school was the pool area. When students first arrived, work was still being completed on the facility’s locker rooms, according to Emmett.

       Looking ahead, the next target are the 200 and 400-level wings--the home of new math and business course classrooms. Those are expected to be ready by January, Emmett said.

       â€"Again, that’s a prediction,” he said.

       Meanwhile, the old gymnasium is still serving as temporary swing space.

       â€"Once the 200 and 400-level spaces are open, we’ll move those to folks in and begin the next phase,” Emmett said.

       Contractors are still working on the auditorium, which is not expected to be ready until December, according to Emmett. He says that the roof work is done, and the air conditioning and heating systems have been set up, but that work in the mezzanine will take longer.

       When it is open, it should ease up the demand for space at other schools in town, while providing a backup plan for high school graduations in the event of inclement weather, Emmett said.

       And while the parking situation will be a little better compared to last year, it will continue to be a challenge, Emmett said.

       Additional parking by the bus loop and main entrance should help, and the student and staff lot, previously closed off, will add some spaces as well.

       Another parking lot, reserved for students, will not be available until next summer, Emmett said.
MORE WETHERSFIELD NEWS  |  STORY BY MARK DIPAOLA  |  Sep 17 2015  |  COMMENTS?