IN Woodland Hills Spring 2020 | Page 29

will afford them all of those opportunities and more.” “Students will be very excited. The building has great spaces that will allow them to explore new interests and facilities that will allow them to learn. This project is part of our ongoing efforts to make sure that our students have the best possible resources to create educational opportunities. Dickson will be a welcoming place for students and their families, and parents should feel welcome to visit the school as we host events so that they can see what resources their children will have,” adds Glasser. Woodland Hills worked with Reynolds Construction and Core Architects on the project. Mike Arnold, Vice President of Reynolds Construction, says that Dickson is a beautiful building, a “classic piece,” and adds that the renovations work very well with it. Reynolds has worked with the district for six years, and conducted education sessions for students that were interested in architecture and construction. “The District recognized the need for a state-of-the-art Intermediate School and evaluated options at Dickson, and at the current Intermediate Building (on Evans Street in Swissvale). Dickson was last renovated in the mid-1990s, while the current Intermediate had not been renovated at any point. The costs to renovate Dickson and position it to serve students for the next 30 or 40 years was less than to renovate the current building. In addition, Dickson’s location in the heart of Swissvale was a determining factor,” says Glasser. She adds, “We’re committed to improving our facilities so that they are more sustainable, more efficient and up-to-date so that they can serve our children for decades to come. The effort and funds invested here will serve all of us well for many, many years to come.” “This is a fantastic addition to the community with a beautiful building surrounded by athletic fields. It will make a great investment in the community,” says Harris. He wants students to know that, “This building is theirs and everything in it is for them to learn and become great future leaders.” In January, the seventh, eighth and ninth graders of Woodland Hills Intermediate and Woodland Hills High School performed Disney’s The Little Mermaid Junior. The cast and crew of 50, along with their 35 senior high choreography, costume, vocal, production, and scenic interns started working in September to delighted audiences Under the Sea! WOODLAND HILLS ❘ SP R I N G 2020 27