Teacher input helps visualize remodels of Aurora Heights, Thomas Jefferson

Feedback from teachers who will work at the remodeled Thomas Jefferson Elementary and Aurora Heights Elementary in the coming years gave architects a better idea of what staff wanted their new classrooms and other spaces to look like, which in turn provided more visualized development plans for both buildings.

FRK Architects + Engineers presented the new plans to the Newton school board during its June 24 meeting. The plans, which were approved in unanimous votes, do not stray far from the original schematics. John Darveau of FRK said in some cases architects had to move a few things, but designs were mostly adequate.

In order to make the process as inclusive as possible, FRK gathered input from representative staff in order to gain insight into the space and the requirements necessary to accommodate future education. Two separate meetings were held with staff groups. Architects gathered input and formulated options and solutions.

Aurora Heights Elementary is undergoing the most changes. The building is being remodeled to account for approximately 108 preK students with supporting staff and 500 K-4 students with supporting staff. The most notable change is the new two-level, 36,882-square-foot addition to the northeast corner of the building.

Using the sites natural topography, it opens up the lower level to the existing outdoor playspace. According to FRK documents, the design of the addition creates a new front entry for the building and orients new drop-offs to the north end of the site. This creates separated bus drop-off and parent drop-off zones.

Front entry will now be accessed on the lower level, which is where the three new preK classrooms, five new kindergarten classrooms and new gymnasium and support spaces will be located. The entry hall on the lower level connects to the main level of the school and is accessible for students and staff of all abilities.

The main level of the new addition has five classrooms for first grade and support spaces for ESL (English as a Second Language) and special education resource rooms. Spaces in the existing building have been reassigned to complete the grade level classrooms and support spaces.

Currently, the district plans to remodel the existing front entry space of Aurora Heights into special education and behavior disorder spaces.

Thomas Jefferson Elementary site plans have not changed since meeting with staff. The existing building will see a new addition also located in the northeast corner. The approximately 5,200-square-foot addition will host four new fourth grade classrooms. Existing space will be reassigned to match remaining grade sections.

Several portions of the existing building will remain untouched. For instance, there are no plans to renovate or reassign spaces like the media center, gym, art room, music room, cafeteria and kitchen. The bulk of the major renovations come in the administration suite, which would also move the entry to the building.

Reception will be directly connected to the front entrance vestibule, allowing for a more safe and secured entryway. The rest of the administration suite is composed of the nurse’s office, a flex office and the principal’s office. Architects say they also want to make the entrance more visible and inviting than it is now.

Input from teachers focused on a few small changes. Alex Hoppe of FRK said many of the teachers wanted student lockers in the hallways as opposed to inside the classrooms, and they also wanted plenty of cabinet space. FRK also increased the amount of space available in the guidance office.

The capacity of the new Thomas Jefferson will hold 500 K-4 students.