More than 4,400 students will return to school Wednesday, September 3, as the Hilton School District's $57.9 million Capital Project continues to progress, according to Superintendent of Schools John Cooper. All three elementary school buildings, parking lots, bus loops and grounds are being expanded and renovated. New student drop-off areas at the schools have been constructed and temporary parking lots are being used as work continues. "All student drop-off areas are now one-way traffic flows," said Hilton Director of Buildings and Grounds Gary Bagley. "All the improvements are designed to improve student safety and traffic flow." Among the changes is the access to the Village Elementary School which now has a one-way student drop-off lane accessible only from Grove Street. The bus loop now enters via Old Hojack Lane and is closed to all traffic except buses. All Village Elementary School parking is accessible only from Heinz Street. No parking or standing is allowed at the student drop-off area in front of the center entrance. Parents dropping off students at the Quest Elementary School will now use Younker Lane, just west of the staff parking lot, and will also follow a one-way lane. The main entrances to Quest remain on the school's north or West Avenue side until the newly-constructed entrance is complete this fall, according to Principal Lydia McCabe. "It's a transition time," she said. "I have all confidence that the work is progressing on time and very close to schedule." Parking for the Hilton Federal Credit Union, located at 225 West Avenue at the Quest School, will be on the west side of the building with the West Avenue entrance open during the day. The district expects to have signs in place to help direct people to the parking areas as well as temporary main offices, located in mobile trailers, at both Quest and Northwood Schools. Further work will continue throughout the school year at all schools. |
