The beauty of Carlsbad High School's massive renovation is more than skin-deep. The admittedly gorgeous hardscape of brand-new buildings, outdoor spaces, interior furnishings and equipment is intended to provide an optimum framework for teaching and learning.
Joking that since construction began in 2008, students and staff have had to navigate "like ants on a farm," CHS Principal Matt Steitz, says, "The new campus, with its centralized classrooms, easy access to all venues and vibrant outdoor gathering spaces, will result in an ebb-and-flow that builds a sense of pride, ownership and connectedness."
When Carlsbad High's 3,000 students return to campus after winter break on Jan. 9, they will have plenty of room to amble with their friends down the wide and welcoming new Lancer Walk. The walkway leads to five new classroom complexes (Buildings 4,000-8,000) as well as to technologically upgraded existing classrooms, Lancer Field and other facilities.
A feeling of spaciousness soars inside the new buildings, with oversized windows and ceilings in some rooms climbing as high as 21 feet. The purple desks look great against the soothing coastal blue and green color schemes. Even clocks and storage spaces sport the vibrant Lancer hue. Natural lighting and other environmentally friendly elements support the District's commitment to conservation.
A Marvel of Form Meeting Function
The classrooms, complete with huge SmartBoards, are ready to provide students with the high-tech infrastructure they need to succeed in high school, college and career. New computers, wireless networks and other electronic hardware were among the final elements to be installed this winter and they're sure to be among the first things to which students and teachers gravitate. Incorporating many activity-specific features, buildings will be utilized to great advantage by students pursuing their academics and a variety of other interests, including fashion, ceramics, music, dance, art and broadcasting.
Between some of the new buildings are courtyards with landscaping and concrete benches. These gathering spaces will be enjoyed, it's true, but nothing will compare to the new Lancer Plaza with its signature purple "C" and a sea of opportunities.
"The Plaza, or quad as some call it, will promote a genuine and strong feeling of 'This is who we are' that will contribute to students' sense of belonging and bonding," Steitz said. "With benches, ledges and other sitting spaces, it will be a place to eat lunch, study, gather with friends or just hang out; in other words, an inviting destination. Kids will walk through Lancer Plaza to get to their classes. I will be able to stroll a few steps from my office and enjoy the view."
I am eager to accompany Matt on that stroll, and I'm looking forward to joining students and staff on Jan. 9, when our beautiful new CHS facilities welcome their happy occupants. Thanks to the voters who supported Prop P, we are reinvigorating the venerable Lancer spirit and offering students the 21st-century framework they will need to succeed.
I am so proud of what we as a community are doing for our children and for all of Carlsbad.
RIBBON CUTTING
A ribbon cutting will be held at 3 p.m. on Jan. 12 to give families and the Carlsbad community an opportunity to tour several classrooms and become familiar with the 3557 Lancer Way campus whose renovation they supported by overwhelmingly approving the $198 million Prop P bond measure in November 2006. The total modernization of 53-year-old Carlsbad High will cost approximately $90 million. Prop P is also funding the construction of new Sage Creek High School and has funded several modernizing and upgrading efforts at existing elementary and middle schools and District-wide. Tours of the classroom will run from 3-5 p.m.
Joking that since construction began in 2008, students and staff have had to navigate "like ants on a farm," CHS Principal Matt Steitz, says, "The new campus, with its centralized classrooms, easy access to all venues and vibrant outdoor gathering spaces, will result in an ebb-and-flow that builds a sense of pride, ownership and connectedness."
When Carlsbad High's 3,000 students return to campus after winter break on Jan. 9, they will have plenty of room to amble with their friends down the wide and welcoming new Lancer Walk. The walkway leads to five new classroom complexes (Buildings 4,000-8,000) as well as to technologically upgraded existing classrooms, Lancer Field and other facilities.
A feeling of spaciousness soars inside the new buildings, with oversized windows and ceilings in some rooms climbing as high as 21 feet. The purple desks look great against the soothing coastal blue and green color schemes. Even clocks and storage spaces sport the vibrant Lancer hue. Natural lighting and other environmentally friendly elements support the District's commitment to conservation.
A Marvel of Form Meeting Function
The classrooms, complete with huge SmartBoards, are ready to provide students with the high-tech infrastructure they need to succeed in high school, college and career. New computers, wireless networks and other electronic hardware were among the final elements to be installed this winter and they're sure to be among the first things to which students and teachers gravitate. Incorporating many activity-specific features, buildings will be utilized to great advantage by students pursuing their academics and a variety of other interests, including fashion, ceramics, music, dance, art and broadcasting.
Between some of the new buildings are courtyards with landscaping and concrete benches. These gathering spaces will be enjoyed, it's true, but nothing will compare to the new Lancer Plaza with its signature purple "C" and a sea of opportunities.
"The Plaza, or quad as some call it, will promote a genuine and strong feeling of 'This is who we are' that will contribute to students' sense of belonging and bonding," Steitz said. "With benches, ledges and other sitting spaces, it will be a place to eat lunch, study, gather with friends or just hang out; in other words, an inviting destination. Kids will walk through Lancer Plaza to get to their classes. I will be able to stroll a few steps from my office and enjoy the view."
I am eager to accompany Matt on that stroll, and I'm looking forward to joining students and staff on Jan. 9, when our beautiful new CHS facilities welcome their happy occupants. Thanks to the voters who supported Prop P, we are reinvigorating the venerable Lancer spirit and offering students the 21st-century framework they will need to succeed.
I am so proud of what we as a community are doing for our children and for all of Carlsbad.
RIBBON CUTTING
A ribbon cutting will be held at 3 p.m. on Jan. 12 to give families and the Carlsbad community an opportunity to tour several classrooms and become familiar with the 3557 Lancer Way campus whose renovation they supported by overwhelmingly approving the $198 million Prop P bond measure in November 2006. The total modernization of 53-year-old Carlsbad High will cost approximately $90 million. Prop P is also funding the construction of new Sage Creek High School and has funded several modernizing and upgrading efforts at existing elementary and middle schools and District-wide. Tours of the classroom will run from 3-5 p.m.