The time is finally here!  We are delighted to share that our building project is finally beginning!  There will be a great deal of activity on campus beginning next week as we begin the big work of creating a truly prepared environment for our children and adolescents.

I want to make you aware of a few of the major undertakings you will see and hear about over the coming month or so.

The first signs that the project is underway will appear this coming Monday, January 30. During the inaugural week there will be a growing stream of activity as sediment controls will be staked out and set in place along with various site and building boundary markers, surveying of roadways and utility lines will commence, test pits will be dug in various locations to gauge water pressure, and fencing will be set in place. If all goes well, we are also hoping to see the installation of a gravel road running along the Falls Road end of the soccer field. We will be installing fencing to ensure that the playground and the roadway are safely separated and that we can maintain the use of our soccer field and play equipment.

Once the initial site prep is complete, we will be constructing a bio retention pond up near the old chicken coop location.  As we are required to install this first to address the environmental issues associated with run-off during and after the project, we will need to remove the play structure that is currently there. You will be pleased to know that we have found a good home for it at the Boys and Girls Club of Howard County.

We are told that we can maintain access to the Multi-Purpose Building for three more weeks, until February 17. That is very good news. At that time, Discovery for Children’s House, Elementary and Adolescents will be moved to the gym.  Toddlers will stay happily nestled in their classroom in the Main Building.

Due to the need for widening, repaving and the utilities work all around the loop road at various intervals during the construction period, sections of the roadways will be torn up for extended and intermittent periods. When this happens you will be sure to be given plenty of advanced notice that we will move to the new carline procedures attached herein.  (Note that carline for children in the Main Building will not change for the time being.)

We will do our very best to keep you posted each step of the way.   We thank you now for your patience and flexibility as our community self-constructs – and builds a beautiful, updated home away from home for your children.

With much excitement,

Tamara Sheesley Balis
Head of School