Tag: video

RECAP: New school proposed grade configuration (Video)

Leah Comins MSBC Update ,
RECAP: New school proposed grade configuration (Video)

Two Educational Videos on the Coakley Middle School project explain the selected grade configuration of the new school.

Click here to view: video #8 on the grade configuration and benefits to elementary schools

The preferred design option approved by the Middle School Building Committee includes a change to the grade configuration of the new Coakley Middle School to include grade 5, along with grades 6-8.

Moving grade 5 to the new Coakley building will result in vacated space in each of the district’s five elementary schools, allowing each school to address specific space needs, including having space for dedicated music and art rooms, additional rooms dedicated to special education, and space for teacher collaboration. This configuration will address overcrowding at the elementary schools in the most cost-effective way by reducing the need for additional renovations or detached modular classrooms at each school.

Click here to view: video #9 on the grade configuration and middle school layout

Significant planning and consideration has been given to ensuring the new middle school building will be a comforting environment for the grade 5 students who will be incorporated into the new building. Each grade will have its own floor, further subdivided by academic area. 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 and separate dining commons. Strategically placed stairwells will also allow for students to pass between academic areas or shared program spaces without significant crossover between students of different grade levels.

View all Coakley Middle School Project Educational Videos here.

RECAP: Existing Conditions (Video)

Leah Comins MSBC Update ,
RECAP: Existing Conditions (Video)

Several Educational Videos on the Coakley Middle School project explain the existing conditions of the current Coakley building.

Click here to view: video #2 on daylighting
In the existing building, over 40% of core academic spaces, including the library media center, do not have views to the outdoors and rely solely on electrical lighting. Studies have shown that connection to the outdoors and natural light are beneficial to students’ wellbeing and can impact academic performance.

Click here to view: video #3 on undersized classrooms
About 85% of the educational spaces in the existing building do not meet the space requirements of the MSBA. This lack of space limits space for students, as well as educational tools and supplies. Six isolated classrooms are also located in modular units connected to the building, all of which are also undersized and have outlived their temporary use.

Click here to view: video #4 on the educational layout
In the past, two junior high schools served Norwood, the current Coakley and the current Savage Center. The layout of these sister schools combined grade level by program, similar to traditional high schools. The current Coakley is laid out with rings of classrooms around a center, not allowing for proper separation between grades levels, nor lending itself to the teaming structure the middle school implements.

Click here to view: video #6 on MEPFP infrastructure
Though the Coakley building is well maintained, it has many aging systems and requires updates to meet code requirements. The current heating and cooling system in the Coakley is operational, but has a number of non-functioning units that cause leaks. The building also requires additional cooling systems as the HVAC system is insufficient for the whole building, and the building needs many more electrical outlets throughout the building to support the increase in technology use for education.

Furthermore, the current fire alarm system does not have adequate detector coverage, and parts of the system do not meet ADA requirements. The current lighting in the building is also not up to energy code.

Click here to view: video #7 on accessibility compliance
Several aspects of the current building do not meet accessibility code compliance for individuals with disabilities. These aspects include door hardware, the main office and library check-in desks, building signage, many plumbing fixtures, stairs and fire protection systems. The building’s two existing elevators also create challenges as they are not in locations that allow for easy access between parts of the building.

View all Coakley Middle School Project Educational Videos here.

RECAP: How did we get here? (Video)

Leah Comins MSBC Update ,
RECAP: How did we get here? (Video)

Educational Video #1 on the Coakley Middle School project includes information on how the process for the project began.

View the video here.

In 2016, the Norwood Public Schools began a district-wide facility study with Ai3 Architects, LLC and consultants to review the existing building condition of schools in the district. At the conclusion of the process, the Coakley Middle School was identified as the school with the most building deficiencies.

Building performance, such as needed capital repairs; functional performance, such as enrollment numbers and possible overcrowding; and educational performance, such as existing learning spaces are the criteria used to evaluate the school buildings.

Based on the information and results from the study, the town submitted a Statement of Interest (SOI) to the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA), which is the first step in applying for funding assistance for a building project. Norwood was one of 12 projects selected for the Core program that year.

View all Coakley Middle School Project Educational Videos here.

Video: Town of Norwood Shares Video Animation for Community Members to Explore Proposed New Coakley Middle School

Leah Comins MSBC Update , ,
Video: Town of Norwood Shares Video Animation for Community Members to Explore Proposed New Coakley Middle School

**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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