Hilton students and faculty will soon "Celebrate What's Right With the World" in their mission to improve student learning, morale and security at all five Hilton schools. The Long Range Planning Committee unveiled the final architectural results of the $57.9 million Capital Project, which was approved by voters in December 2001, at a meeting on December 3. The "Celebrate What's Right With the World" buttons and posters are already being distributed to enthuse students and staff to look on the positive side while renovations take place. Celebration committees are gearing up to keep the enthusiasm alive during the transition. Final approval of the plans by the State Education Department is expected by next month, with the hopes of breaking ground by March 2003, and completion of the project by fall 2004. Dr. John W. Cooper, superintendent of Hilton Schools, and Steven Ayers, assistant superintendent of business, presented a slide show of the architectural drawings and floor plans. The main entrance to each school will be complete with greenery and a waterfall effect to promote warmth and pride. With safety being a main issue, a security desk will be at each main entrance, complete with video cameras and high tech security devices. All other school entrances will be locked. Additional lighting will surround the schools and parking lots, and motion and smoke alarm detectors will be installed outside of the buildings for additional safety measures. Safer bus loops, additional parking and designated student drop off areas are also part of the safety plan The Village Elementary School will house an intermediate and primary wing within the building. Twelve additional classrooms will be added to the intermediate school, including five rooms equipped for science. Eight additional classrooms will be added to the primary school, including seven for full day kindergarten and one for pre-kindergarten. The plan includes a full size gymnasium and upgrades to the library, Special Education rooms, reading and math centers, and music rooms. They will also establish a Student Services Center, which will house the Guidance Department, Psychologist, Social Worker and Health Services. Additions to the Northwood School will include six kindergarten classrooms, one pre-kindergarten room, one Special Education room, and a new multi-purpose room. Music and art rooms, main office and Student Services Center will all be renovated. The classrooms will have new carpeting and window treatments, as well as plumbing upgrades. At Merton Williams, eight classrooms will be added to the middle school. The science and art rooms will be renovated, along with the main office and counseling suite. They will boast a new, expanded aquatic center complete with an eight-lane pool, diving well and new bleachers. The aquatic center will have its own entrance, enabling all students from elementary through high school to have use of it. The library will be expanded, and a fitness center will be added. The Quest School's new main entrance and security office will be located on the west side of the building. The parking lot and bus loop will be revamped for student safety. New carpeting and sinks will be installed in some of the classrooms. The least amount of renovation is needed in this school, since it was remodeled just six years ago. If the budget allows, the main offices and Board of Education room will be renovated. Hilton High School will have an all-weather outdoor track as well as a varsity Lacrosse field and outdoor bathroom facilities for sporting events. All three floors of the high school will be renovated; the first floor will add new classrooms for art, child development and technology. Six classrooms will be added to the second floor, as well as two resource rooms and a fitness center. The third floor will include two new Special Education rooms as well as new content classrooms and a resource room. The Long Range Planning Committee worked closely with town and village officials, as well as the Hilton Fire Department to ensure student safety in the parking lots and throughout the school grounds, according to district officials. They offer an open invitation for any group to see the presentation of the architectural plans by calling 392-1000, extension 7033. The Hilton Central School District web site has the drawings and floor plans at http://www.hilton.k12.ny.us. |
