Capital Projects

The COVID-19 Pandemic has highlighted the importance of maintaining proper hygiene practices. The Pandemic has also raised awareness of the mental health needs of students. Improving student health, safety, and sense of belonging is part of D11’s commitment to emerging stronger from the pandemic, which means our district is addressing many concerns for safety and social/emotional health, inclusive of restrooms.

D11’s Middle School restrooms, in addition to needing more adequate ventilation systems to improve air quality and cleanliness, need to become a safe environment for students.

School restrooms should provide a safe and private space for students to address their personal hygiene needs without feeling anxious or uncomfortable. The pandemic has exacerbated incidents in the restrooms and has had a negative effect on student use. Renovating the restrooms is one of the initiatives that will help our district “build back better” from the Pandemic. It will minimize the need for referrals that are due to an unsafe environment in the restrooms.

Taking all of these factors into consideration, it becomes clear that remodeling school restrooms to align with COVID-19 safety guidelines is also a necessary and beneficial investment in the health, well-being, and peace of mind of both students and staff members. Our restroom design changes address specific physiological and psychological needs since our current restroom designs are no longer sufficient. The work took place between March and the end of August 2024.

This project addressed:

1. Mental Health & Privacy
2. Social Distancing
3. Improved Ventilation
4. Sanitation & Cleaning Protocols
5. Hygiene & Safety

 

FarmBox Foods Vertical Hydroponic Farm: This program supports students as D11 builds back better after COVID. Students pursue industry certifications, and 2- and 4-year degree options, through Career and Technical Education. FarmBox Foods Vertical Hydroponic Farm provides D11 students with tools and knowledge to sustainably grow food. This tech-driven farm grows nutritious foods year-round, while touching many different disciplines and areas of interest. It can serve as a springboard for those who will be building business plans, performing accounting duties, maintaining and fixing mechanical components, creating code, working as dietitians, or solving hunger issues. Farmbox helps with post-secondary readiness using a multidisciplinary plan that motivates students to explore potential career pathways. It helps to prepare students for challenges of today with the technologies of tomorrow. With this program, D11 is able to offer blended learning opportunities that focus on Science, Business, Biology, Health & Nutrition.

Select current HVAC systems are at the end of expected life cycles and many replacement parts are no longer available. The design and replacement of HVAC systems at these schools will provide a safe learning environment by providing adequately conditioned air and appropriate ventilation that will healthier and more comfortable for learning. This will allow these schools to maintain operation and continuity of services. 

1. Mitchell High School
2. Jenkins Middle School
3. Howbert Elementary School

Before and In Progress Photos of the HVAC Restoration Process

 

After Photos of the HVAC Restoration Process