By Alexandra Sukin ’15, co-editor-in-chief
Michael McInturf wants students to be able to say “That’s my lower school.” As the architect for the Lower School Renovation project and CCDS parent of three lifers, McInturf wants to “create an identity for the Lower School because right now it doesn’t have a strong enough presence.” This year will usher in the transformational changes to the building’s structure. The construction will begin this summer and is estimated to be completed by winter break of the 2013-2014 school year. The main focus of the renovation is to create a public gathering space for
LS students, parents and faculty. “Public space is sometimes an afterthought, and we want to make it a priority,” McInturf explained. The administrative offices will be moved to a more central location in the building, there will be a new entry way and library, and new science and art rooms.
Ms. Jennifer Aquino, Lower School Head, feels strongly that the construction will not adversely affect student life. “We are working hard not to have the construction project impact the students or teachers in a negative way when they return in the fall. We will keep disruptions to their academic day to a minimum, but at the same time embrace this unique opportunity and use it to enrich our learning.”
Head of School Robert Macrae, Ms. Aquino and Mr. McInturf all foresee substantial benefits from the renovation. Dr. Macrae knows that “one of the most important features will be a common space” because it will allow for group learning. “I think the space will be really fun to occupy. It will be usable immediately, it will be multifaceted in its use, and I think it will continue to challenge people in how they might use the space,” McInturf noted. Ms. Aquino was especially excited about the new learning opportunities the renovated building will create. “The new space will provide flexibility and function for teachers to divide up their students and work in multiple locations. I imagine that more touch points with students will be happening naturally because paths will cross more often in the new space.”
Last year, about a million dollars’ worth of improvements was made to the Lower School’s infrastructure to enhance its functioning: a new roof, windows, and HVAC. That leaves an estimated 2 million dollars for the rest of the renovation. Both Dr. Macrae and Ms. Aquino observed that fundraising for this project has been successful and inspiring because they were able to witness the wonderful support of the Country Day community for its students. Dr. Macrae also expressed his appreciation of the leadership of Betsy and Peter Niehoff, 2005 graduates of CCDS, which made this project a possibility.
Funding for this project was also assisted by Ms. Aquino’s challenges which she underwent every time $10,000 was raised for the renovation. The challenges were the brainchild of the fourth grade class, and included holding two cockroaches and sitting in a bathtub with 200 crickets. Ms, Aquino believes that the students became engaged with the campaign. “They are always so excited when we reach a new level and then anticipate the next one with just as much enthusiasm.” The Aquino Challenge, which was just as much a life lesson of courage for the Lower School students as it was a fundraiser, raised $90,000. Ms. Aquino hopes that an additional $10,000 will be raised by the last day of school.
With the Lower School renovation project underway and fundraising nearly completed. Dr. Macrae is planning for even more exciting improvements to CCDS’s campus. Thanks to a generous gift from Mike and Susie Leonard, there may be a new 50-meter pool in Country Day’s future. In connection with the proposed pool, Dr. Macrae will consider other “athletic enhancements” and accompanied fundraising.
Photo by JC Vogt ’16
