Open houses announced for new schools

Everyone is invited to tour two of the new schools under construction in Sault Ste. Marie.

Everyone is invited to tour two of the new schools under construction in Sault Ste. Marie.

At its final meeting of the 2010/2011 school year last night, Algoma District School Board trustees were informed of the dates for upcoming public open houses for F.H. Clergue French Immersion Public School and Superior Heights Collegiate and Vocational Secondary Schools.

On Wednesday, August 24 from 3 to 6 p.m., F.H. Clergue at 80 Weldon Avenue will be open for any member of the public to tour.

On Tuesday, August 30, also from 3 to 6 p.m. Superior Heights at 750 North Street (the site of the old Bawating Collegiate, Vocational and Secondary School) will be open for tours.

At both open houses, maps of the buildings will be provided and staff will be on hand to answer questions.

Student volunteers will also be helping guide visitors through Superior Heights.

An abridged news release from Algoma District School Board on the two new schools follows.

************************* FH Clergue open house highlights ~ August 24th

This new school combines the greatest ideas from around the province with the latest technological and architectural advancements.

With its modern architecture this facility will feature:

- A two-story design that allows for plenty of natural light in all classrooms, corridors and many of the common areas.

- Large kindergarten rooms have been designed with their own exterior entrances and secured play areas. Kindergarten classrooms are placed in pairs and are adjoined by bathroom facilities, storage areas and internal classroom coat and boot racks;

- Discovery centres are shared learning spaces centered around clusters of classrooms and are equipped with updated computer technology for cross curricular groupings, team projects and a variety of instructional opportunities.

- New and up-to-date computer technologies, including wireless technology.

- A library, forum and stage area which will be the heart of the school.

The library will have well stocked resources available in both languages and a multi-media resource centre.

The forum provides a multi-purpose space which can function as a mini-auditorium, program activity area and can also act as an expansion to the library space

A servery/kitchen is located off one wing of the stage to accommodate food service for breakfast programs, community meetings and graduation receptions.

- The bus loading zone accommodates bus traffic off the street providing a safe pickup and drop off area for students.

- The parent drop off zone has been purposefully separated from the bus loading zone to provide parents with an easy and safe drop off to the main entrance of the school.

- Energy efficient and environmentally friendly design including natural ventilation; a reflective roof surface; low flow plumbing fixtures and much more.

Superior Heights highlights to be enjoyed at August 30th open house

This new 7-12 school will serve the needs of a variety of student populations.

It is intended to be an inclusive school, providing education for Grades 7 & 8 students and the community education program.

With its modern architecture and modern technology offerings, this facility will feature:

- New and up-to-date computer technologies, including wireless technology.

- A multimedia theatre.

- Opportunities for webcasting, podcasting and video casting.

- Graphic and visual design programs.

- A recording studio.

- Sports specialty and health science program.

- Traditional technology, automotive, manufacturing and construction.

- A culinary arts program featuring a student-run Bistro.