The existing one-story , 35,150-squarefoot school , which serves students from kindergarten through fourth grade , was originally built in 1962 . The district has identified several challenges , including overcrowded classrooms and parking lots due to increased enrollment , noncompliance with ADA standards and outdated interior spaces .

To address these concerns , the new Wylandville Elementary School will be a three-story , 149,200-square-foot building constructed behind the current school . Each grade level will be housed in its own neighborhood of classrooms , team rooms and special education rooms . The core and assembly areas , including the administration offices , nurse ’ s suite , gymnasium , cafeteria , stage and library , will be located near

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the main entrance , providing easy access to each grade-level grouping .

In line with the district ’ s commitment to educating the whole student through a holistic approach , the new building will feature several dynamic spaces for instruction , activities and gatherings .

“ We took some of our favorite features from previous projects and incorporated them into this new school . Some of those features include a shared stage area between the gym and cafeteria , which can currently be found at both Muse Elementary and North Strabane Intermediate School ,” said Scott Chambers , deputy superintendent of Canon-McMillan School District . “ The large group team rooms at the new middle school are very unique , adaptable and desired . The new school will have one for both third and fourth grades . Two large artificial play spaces are planned behind the school , with an area in the center that can be used as an outdoor classroom space . The school will have dedicated spaces for related arts and specialized programming , all within a completely climate-controlled facility .”

For safety , the kindergarten classrooms will also function as an ICC-500 , EF5 tornado storm shelter . The building will include accessibility features such as an elevator , adequate clearances , visual annunciators , braille signage , lever hardware and grab bars . The central heating plant will use gasfired boilers , and an HVAC system will provide cooling . The building will also be fully sprinklered .

The new Wylandville Elementary School is designed with environmentally conscious principles to minimize energy demand , including sustainable materials , energy-efficient site design , water efficiency , indoor environmental quality , an energy management system and occupancy-sensor lighting . Carbon dioxide ( CO2 ) monitors in the air handling units will regulate ventilation , and hands-free flush valves and faucets will reduce water consumption and promote hygiene . The construction process will aim to reduce waste and promote recycling of materials .

“ This school will allow the district to offer full-day kindergarten , which has been one of our top priorities ,” Chambers said .