New Freshman Center Taking Shape
Ninth graders are unique individuals . Just ask their parents or any ninth grade teacher . That ’ s why Allen ISD is building a unique new school to serve them .
The Becky Lowery Freshman Center first opened in the “ old ” Allen High School in 1999 when the “ new ” Allen High School opened across the road .
As the freshman population outgrew the building , the community approved a proposal to build a new school in 2015 on Greenville Avenue adjacent to the current school . The south two wings of the old school will be renovated when the new school opens in August 2018 . The old wings will then be used to house the Pat Dillard Special Achievement Center starting in 2019 . A large portion of the current school will be demolished and used for parking at the new campus .
“ Designing a new building instead of renovating gives us a lot of flexibility ,” according to Daniel Pitcock , assistant superintendent for operations . “ This intentional design allows us to identify what programs are needed and what spaces will accommodate those programs .”
The design process or charrette began in early 2016 with a group of teachers , staff and administrative specialists working with architects to define what was needed . The Board of Trustees approved the project in December 2016 and construction began in January 2017 .
“ The staff is excited about several new features of the freshman center that support teaching and learning ,” explained Jennifer Wilhelm , assistant superintendent
for learner services . “ Collaborative spaces have been added adjacent to classrooms where small groups of students can work and be monitored by teachers . Groupings of core content classrooms will also bring subject areas , such as science , together to facilitate teacher collaboration and planning .”
Three things will stand out to parents who are familiar with the old Lowery Center , added Pitcock . “ Parent and bus traffic flow will be greatly improved . Classrooms will be larger and have more outside light . Third , the heating and air conditioning systems will be more reliable and efficient . In fact , a geothermal system will service the new larger school more efficiently than the old one .”
“ The process of designing a new freshman center has been similar to the AHS 2000 committee that designed the high school in 1997-1998 ,” adds Wilhelm . “ The primary focus of the architectural design was to create a learning environment that meets the needs of our students as we strive to prepare them for college and career .”
The new building has been designed by Corgan Associates , Inc . and is being built by Lee Lewis Construction . It will open in August 2018 .
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