Capital
Project Brings a New Look to River
In
the Spring of 2000, the residents of the Patchogue-Medford
community approved an ambitious capital project amounting
to nearly 150 million dollars in improvements, upgrades
and additions to each of the district's eleven schools.
The upgrades address mandatory building improvements that
meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities
Act, including elevators and ramps where needed, handicap
accessible restrooms, new roofs, heating systems, and
various classroom additions to accommodate the growing
student population of P-M schools, currently exceeding
9,000 students.
Although
the project at River Elementary School represents the
smallest of the district's upgrades, the Bond will provide
the eighty-year old school with many improvements and
much needed expansion. Among the improvements;
-
construction
of a new 1,900 square foot library/media center
-
addition
of a new front entrance and bus drop-off
-
addition
of a new office and conference room
-
addition
of new faculty room and adult restroom
-
addition
of four new classrooms
-
addition
of new offices for social worker, school psychologist,
speech and reading teachers
-
addition
of a new heating system
-
new
telephone, public address (PA), and clock system
-
ADA
compliance additions including new elevator, ramps and
restroom modifications
-
improvements
to technology and building-wide computer wiring
-
improvements
to roof, windows and many door replacements
-
improvements
to outdoor play areas, fields and sidewalks
-
expansion
of parking lot to include handicapped parking, slots
for an additional 30 cars, and a new bus entrance off
West Main Street
The
artist renderings of the addition are outlined on the
next page. The architects from Burton, Behrendt and Smith,
P.C. have taken great care to maintain the historical
integrity of one of the oldest schools in Patchogue-Medford,
while creating a positive instructional environment for
children.
Families
and alumni are invited to call the school and arrange
for a tour of the new facility. The project is anticipated
for completion in the Fall of 2005.
Then and Now Construction Picture SlideShow
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