June 20, 2015

I have to admit - I'm getting anxious as each day and week of the summer break rapidly come to an end.  There really is no need to feel that way because lots of progress is made each week. Nevertheless, I'll feel better when we can get teachers into their buildings to begin setting up their classrooms for the next school year.

The abatement is completed for three of the buildings (A, H, and J) and I is awaiting the final air quality numbers for completion. They began working on building F last week, and the abatement should be complete sometime in the next week or so.

Here are some photos of the progress on our project this week.

Workers were installing the grating by the outside stairs in the classroom building.

Workers were preparing the grass crete paver fire lane for planting.  Notice the gate that was installed.  This fire lane is only for an emergency vehicle; hopefully, it won't have to be used. 

I was concerned that the grass by the Administration Building was overgrown and full of weeds.  I should have trusted the landscapers.  They came by this week and pulled the big weeds then mowed the grass.  It looks nice!  Apparently, as the grass grows thicker, it leaves no space for weeds to grow.  Hmmm . . . I think I need this at our house :-)

Our librarian and I visited Ho`okele Elementary School in Kapolei this week.  They will be opening in July, and workers are putting in the finishing touches.  Like our new buildings, Ho`okele was designed as a 21st century school, and we wanted to see their classrooms and their library as well as the furniture they ordered.  Mrs. Colte has a vision for the library, how it will be used, and what types of furniture will enhance that vision.  Although that new building won't be ready until spring 2016, it's already time to start ordering furniture.

 I couldn't envision what the grating would look like when the architect explained it to us earlier, but now that I see it, I think the grating enhances the lines and accents the colors of the building.

I enjoyed watching the communication between the crane operator and the workers who were placing the planks for the roof of the special education classroom adjoining J building.  I continue to be amazed at the different machines and the teamwork involved in a project like this. 

Painters are completed with the interior of Building H and are putting finishing touches on the exterior.  Next up - the floor tiles and the roof (maybe).

The grating is complete; next up for these workers - the railings on the second floor exterior and the interior and exterior stairwells. 

I love the look of the classroom building and I can't wait for the portables to be removed so we can see it from the street.  

Workers are removing the old roofing on Building A; what a mess! The roofing is taking longer to complete, and it doesn't appear that the work will be done by the time school begins.  So the roofing might have to extend into next summer.  Notice the new building in the background.

Lots of progress on the CMU walls of the new building! A staff member who was on campus for the first time since summer break started saw the progress and stated, "Wow! That is a huge building!"

Until next week . . . enjoy the summer!