Pending a final approval-of-occupancy inspection at Princeton High School on September 7, the new laboratories, classrooms, and auditorium will be in use by the start of the 2006-07 school year.
After five years of work, funded by an $81.3-million referendum approved in 2001, students and teachers will soon be able to move into the additional 115,072 square feet of educational space that was toured last Wednesday, August 23, by members of the Princeton Regional Schools (PRS) Board of Education led by Assistant Principal Harvey Highland and Project Manager Dan Fennell of Epic Management.
On hand to describe aspects of the buildings were Superintendent of Schools Judith A. Wilson, Board of Education President Michael Mostoller, and former board presidents Anne Burns and Charlotte Bialek, together with representatives from the Princeton Education Foundation (PEF), the construction team, and J. Robert Hillier, architect for all six of the recent PRS building projects and a major donor to the PEF's Take a Seat (TAS) campaign.
Touring the new science wing that will replace existing overcrowded facilities, Mr. Mostoller spoke of science as one of the key careers for students in the 21st century. He pointed out differences in the architecture of the "expressionistic" performing arts area and the scientific laboratories, reflecting their different uses. "We need both stage and lab to provide a full academic environment for our students," he said, adding that the board has been "economical in creating a state-of-the-art school."
According to Ms. Burns, spaces dedicated to small group instruction were also among the items that the board was especially careful to see incorporated into the design at the high school, where two traditional classrooms will provide additional space for multiple purposes and one will serve as a self-contained special-education classroom for 12 students.
In addition to the centerpiece auditorium with its state-of-the-art sound booth, ticket booth, and concession stand, new spaces include a black box theater, a 1400-seat gymnasium with regulation basketball and volleyball courts, and retractable bleachers.
The gym is big enough to graduate the entire school indoors during inclement weather, and can accommodate members of the graduating class as well as their guests.
Twelve new science laboratories are dedicated to biology, chemistry, physics, and environmental sciences with prep rooms and 6 student project rooms that enable students to conduct long-term projects without having to dismantle them. A rooftop greenhouse is attached to the environmental sciences lab. In addition, there are labs for 3D graphics and design, and CAD (Computer Aided Design), as well as additional classrooms, a construction room for drama, and seven soundproof practice rooms for music.
Black Box Theater
The high school's black box theater, on which the board was advised by experts at McCarter Theatre and Westminster Conservatory, retains lighting recycled from the old auditorium, said Ms. Wilson.
In addition to use by high school classes and student groups, the space would be used by the Princeton Symphony Orchestra for rehearsals, and might ultimately be used by area arts groups when school is not in session. "These facilities are expected to spawn more theater subgroups in the district," she said.
Rising senior and seasoned drama student Lucy Briedenthal is among those looking forward to working in the new black box as well seeing the first productions that she hopes will take place in the auditorium this fall and spring. "It's very exciting," she said. "We've been stuck in a trailer since I first auditioned as a freshman, so it will be great to work here."
Renovations Continue
Renovations are expected to continue in the old building for the next 8 to 10 months. About 25 percent of the original building will be under construction this year, said Ms. Wilson.
With the help of $500,000 from Princeton University, the old auditorium is to become a new library, retaining the feel of the period space by keeping the panel and the proscenium arch. Improvements include air conditioning and heating and ventilation upgrades. "This time next year, we hope there will be no more trailers and no more construction," the superintendent said.
Take a Seat
Ms. Wilson thanked all of the supporters of the Princeton Education Foundation and its Take a Seat campaign, from the school children with their coins and dollars — like the 6th grade at the middle school, clubs such as the Latin Club — to the many businesses and parents donating substantial sums.
To date, the campaign has sold naming opportunities for nearly half of the seats and nearly half of the 37 rooms and benches. Parents account for 149 seats, school alumni for 53, and friends and community members for 29. District employees have purchased 15. At the $1,000 level, 58 seats have been sold; 71 at the $500 level, and 223 at the $250 level.
Major Sponsors include J. Robert and Barbara Hillier (lobby), Commerce Bank (grand entrance), Myra and Van Williams (instrumental music room), Choir Alums and Ann and John McGoldrick (lead gift for choral shell); a consortium of builders and trade associations — Building Contractors Association of NJ, NJ Laborers-Employers Cooperative and Educational Trust, NJ Carpenter Contractor, and Epic Construction Management — have sponsored the construction lab, and smaller local businesses that have contributed $1000 or more; Princeton Radiology and White Lotus Futon both bought benches.
Having raised some $250,000, PEF continues its drive for major donors, grants, and for individual sponsorship. It plans to sell another 75 seats. In addition, high-visibility spaces are still available for sponsorship, including the stage, drama room/black box theatre, large music classroom, ticket booth and concession stand in the lobby area, as well as assorted music practice rooms and theatre support rooms.
For further information about the Take A Seat campaign, contact PEF president Anne Burns or TAS co-chair Shari Powell at info@pefnj.org or visit www.pefnj.org.
Returning students will tour the new construction as follows: Grade 9, New Student Orientation and Tours: Thursday, August 31, 9 a.m.-noon; Grade 12 Schedule Pick-up and Tour: Thursday, August 31, 1-3 p.m.; Grade 11, Schedule Pick-up and Tour: Friday, September 1, 9 a.m.-11 a.m.; Grade 10, Schedule Pick-up and Tour: Friday, September 1, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Save the Date
A community-wide celebration is slated for October 14, from noon to 4 p.m., with a by-invitation-only evening event in the auditorium that will feature performances by the orchestra, choir, excerpts of drama pieces, small group presentations, a cappella groups, and an original composition for orchestra.
Friends of Princeton Athletics will install banners commemorating athletic achievements in time for the dedication ceremony that day and a Battle of the Bands competition will be staged outdoors.
Invitations to the celebration will be sent to all district households.