**Click here to view the video.**
NORWOOD – The Town of Norwood is pleased to share a new video for community members to explore the envisioned new Coakley Middle School.
The video highlights the placement, design and several features of the proposed new school.
The new building is proposed to be constructed behind the current Coakley building, south of the existing community field. The building will have a 4-story academic core and house grades 5-8, with each grade on its own floor. Grades 5-6 will be in a lower school, and grades 7-8 will be in an upper school, both of which will have a dedicated building entrance.
The layout was inspired by the industrialization of Norwood and the many mill buildings in the area.
The proposed building will feature several outdoor areas to foster collaboration and learning, including rain gardens, outdoor dining areas, reading spaces, art zones, science labs and nature classrooms.
The new Coakley is designed with:
- A large student common that can feature student artwork;
- A 600-seat auditorium with stadium-style seating for school and community use;
- Dedicated collaboration areas for small and large group learning;
- Lab areas to support STEM learning, designing and building;
- A 2,000 square foot adaptive physical education center, and bleachers that can seat 250 people;
- A multi-use performance technology studio; and
- A learning commons with independent study and large group collaboration spaces.
Openings between grade level floors inside the building will also aim to visually connect grade levels and enhance a feeling of community.
The orientation of the building will maximize natural light, and operable windows are designed to control glare and offer natural ventilation. With energy efficiency and sustainability as a focal point, the new Coakley is designed to be 100% electric with a low energy use intensity, achieve net zero energy through solar renewable energy, and is currently on track to receive LEED Gold certification.
About the Project:
In 2017, the Norwood Public Schools completed a district-wide facility study to review the elementary and middle schools. The Coakley Middle School was identified as the school with the most building deficiencies.
The proposed new Coakley Middle School would open in 2025 for approximately 1,070 middle school students. Norwood residents will vote on the project’s associated Proposition 2 1/2 debt exclusion at Town Meeting on Monday, March 14, and again in a ballot vote on Monday, April 4.
Learn more about the project and subscribe to receive email updates at newcmsproject.org.
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