In September, the Sweetwater District officially unveiled Chula Vista Middle School’s new science classroom building and food service building, part of Phase I of Prop. O construction. CVMS is the first Phase I school to unveil its facilities under Prop O construction.
CVMS Principal Jan Godfrey welcomed guests. “We are overjoyed to bring facilities that will enrich the learning environment of our students,” she said. “The technologies implemented in these classrooms will provide a new world of exploration for our students. By providing them with the ability to work with state-of-the-art equipment, we are better preparing them for the future.”
The new 10,842 square-foot science classroom facility will support the school’s advancing academic rigor. The CVMS science department is a partner to the unique UCSD/SDSU Cyberbridge program that increases college-level opportunities for District students. CVMS CyberBridge students Janaan Salam and Najim Kiro thanked the community for giving them the tools to be the leaders for tomorrow.
The new food service building, which was destroyed by fire, has been modernized to be a 3,500 square-foot facility equipped to handle the growing student population.
The community celebration brought elected officials, such as San Diego County Supervisor Greg Cox, Chula Vista Mayor Cheryl Cox, Chula Vista City Council members and the Sweetwater District Board of Trustees, together with CVMS staff and community members.
Supervisor Greg Cox, alumnus of CVMS, reflected on the strides made by the campus community. “I see a very different Chula Vista now than I did then. Today marks a celebration of the endless opportunities that will be afforded to these students as a result of the top-notch learning facilities they have been given. It is an effort that will result in a better educated, more forward-thinking community,” said Supervisor Cox.
After cutting the official ribbon, guests toured the new science facilities and got a first-hand look at the new technologies by signing the interactive guest book on the SmartBoards that are now featured in the new science classrooms.
Chula Vista High School to Unveil New Performing Arts Center and Library
“A Night with the Stars” to feature student performances as the community celebrates its new asset
The District will commemorate the official unveiling of Chula Vista High School’s new state-of-the-art facilities on Friday, Dec. 10, as part of phase I of Prop. O construction.
Chula Vista High School’s modernization, a LEED Silver certified project, includes a new 25,729 square foot multi-purpose creative arts building that houses the 680-seat theater, as well as a band room, choir room, dance studio and mariachi/ orchestra room. As South Bay’s largest theater and performing arts center, the facility will be open for public use and will be a tremendous asset to our community.
Additionally, a new 5,600 square foot, Grecian-inspired library has been constructed on campus, providing Spartan students with an enriched learning environment. The library is equipped with computer stations, as well as a study area/ work room. High-density moving storage units have also been installed so the CVHS campus will have room to expand the number of textbooks and resource materials available to students.
The grand opening ceremony will be an evening to remember as we celebrate community and creativity. With leaders from local business and civic groups in attendance, community members will be treated to captivating CVHS student performances and facility tours after the official ribbon cutting ceremony is held.
Expected guests include Congressman Bob Filner, Chula Vista Mayor Cheryl Cox and San Diego County Board of Education Trustee Jerry Rindone, in addition to other local and regional elected officials.
Reinvesting Prop. O Bond dollars in the community Remains a priority for the district
The modernization of our District has been a shining example of Chula Vista’s commitment to green building and the positive ways it can impact the region. The Prop O bond program is California’s largest school construction program designed to be 100% LEED certified. By implementing sustainable features in District facilities, we are reducing potential future maintenance costs and increasing the lifespan of our campuses. Additionally, building green significantly reduces costs for energy and water usage.
As a publicly funded program, Prop O has partnered with local business and civic groups in an effort to reinvest bond dollars back into our community. Through employment expos and networking events for small, local and minority owned businesses, many South Bay residents have found work on Prop. O projects. Bonita Pipeline and Able Heating and Air are just two examples of local companies who have been awarded Prop. O construction projects, and we look forward to keeping opportunities available for local businesses.
Thank you for your continued support. We are expecting construction to be complete at National City Middle School and Mar Vista High School in the first quarter of 2011. I will write again next quarter to ensure you are updated. In the meantime, please visit the Prop. O website at www.BuildingPropO.com or call 1-888-680-PROPO.
Gandara is the superintendent of the Sweetwater Union High School District.
By Dr. Jesus M. Gandara
In the spirit of transparency and open door communication regarding your Prop. O dollars at work, the following is the fourth in a series of community updates on the progress of Sweetwater’s $644 million school construction program.
The school communities are energized to see the results of campus construction as project completions draw near. As the first Phase I campus to complete major Prop. O work, Chula Vista Middle School is now equipped with a brand new science classroom building and cafeteria. Next up, Chula Vista High School’s creative arts facility, library and P.E. locker rooms will be unveiled in a ceremony taking place on Friday, Dec. 10. We look forward to a number of completions in the months to come, including National City Middle School and Mar Vista High School. The following is a detailed overview of what is happening to Sweetwater District schools in Chula Vista.
