What is the sq. footage of the school at present?
200,000 SF
What is the sq. footage expected in the new school?
290,000 SF
What is the percentage increase in cost to spec of the new HS structures to permit the addition of an additional story in the future to meet increased student populations?
The new school will be designed for 1500 students. It is not anticipated that an additional story will be needed in the future.
When and how will you get student input?
We will begin student engagement during the design process and continue throughout construction. This will occur through a series of meetings and Q&As.
How are students being engaged in this conversation?
We will begin student engagement during the design process and continue throughout construction. This will occur through a series of meetings and Q&As.
Will there be a HS student committee reviewing the plans?
Yes, we are engaging the student body, including current middle school students, as part of the design process.
What is the impact on outdoor athletic spaces/playing fields during construction?
Stadium and baseball field will remain open throughout construction. Softball, tennis, and multi-use practice field will be off-line until Fall 2021.
How long will construction last?
New Building: thru December 2020; MEH mods, Demolition, Site Work: Thru August 2021
Access for handicapped students or mobility impaired on crutches?
Yes. The building will meet all ADA code requirements.
Handicap Accessibility floor to floor - ramps/elevators what?
Yes. The building will meet all ADA code requirements.
Internal access for "mobility impaired"?
Yes. The building will meet all ADA code requirements.
Handicapped access for school and community members?
Yes. The building will meet all ADA code requirements.
What thought has been given to access building for students with specials needs? This is a multi-level building.
Yes. The building will meet all ADA code requirements.
Balconies and overlooks may be unsafe, e.g. attract rough housing
Railings at all balconies and overlooks are at code height for the safety of building occupants.
Locker rooms in basement seem to encourage hanging on.
Supervision is provided from a teacher work area into each locker room.
Can someone shoot through glass classroom walls? Security film?
Yes, we continue to evaluate the safety and security of the new building
Is there a way for students to be invisible to an attack if walls in classroom are glass -concealment
Interior glass will have blinds to conceal the view. Doors will be provided between rooms to allow for access to rooms that do not have glass in the event a student needs to seek cover.
What type if security/secure glass is being used in interior classroom spaces.
We are using standard interior glazing to provide sightlines throughout the building for safety and collaboration.
Openness & lighting great/Does this present more safety issues.
Interior glazing is used in all 21st century school design to promote collaboration and a sense of safety in schools.
Will most people/students use stairs to go up and down?
Stairwells will be located in convenient areas to encourage their use as a first means of circulation in the building. Elevators are also being provided.
Do MS students enter through GMHS or does the MS retain its entrance?
MEH retains its existing main entrance.
What if the threat is already in the building? The person is a student or staff member?
All staff will continue to be trained on how to respond in a crisis or threat.
What happens if shooter is in corridor with doors locked behind him or her?
Students will always be able to leave a locked door, and students will continue to be trained in how to respond in an emergency.
How do classrooms doors lock? Could teachers have "panic button" to alert security.
Classrooms will have locks. All Classrooms will have a intercom button directly to the Main Office. All Classrooms will also have phones to call out to Emergency Services.
What prompts a lockdown- door closures?
A lockdown could be initiated by a teacher, the office, or others in the building as a consequence of thing that happen in the school or in the community around the school.
There should be a sub committee on safety & security.
Safety & Security Subcommittee will be added.
CHEERS for a design that provides natural light to all classrooms and the skylights to light the 3rd and 4th floor corridors.
THANK YOU!
What is the plan to coordinate stormwater capture with 10 acre site?
Coordination of stormwater management between the development and the school site is coordinated by the CCC. This is an ongoing process to provide maximum opportunity for both sites.
Thinking broadly what does experience say about issues arising from close proximity of a HS & large (10 acre) commercial activity?
Our high school is adjacent to commerical activity currently. There are many high schools located near commerical develpment both in this region and nationwide. Student safety, including access to the site, will be addressed. Adjacency to the commercial site could also provide students with opportunities for employement and/or social/family activities.
How does the maintenance cost if the new HS compare to the old HS?
A new builiding will require less initial maintenance than our current old builiding.
What are the relative energy consumptions of the current and future schools (kwh, gallons of water, dollars)?
Our energy use will decrease because the new building will be more energy efficent.
How does operations for the new HS compared to the old HS?
Our energy use will decrease because the new building will be more energy efficent. Operational costs will be impated by growth in student enrollment which is currently the case.
Do we have a payback period for the solar and/or geothermal systems?
It's too early in the design to calculate the payback period, but we will be evaluating this for the building.
Please describe your strategy to achieve LEED Gold beyond energy component.
A initial LEED scorecard has been developed, with a focus on material selection, site design, and energy performance.
What is the estimated life of the new high school?
50+ years.
What is the effective life of the building, and what happens then?
50+ years.
How is possible need for future expansion provided for? There does not appear to be room for this in the site plan.
The current design accomodates future expansion within the building footprint.
Does all this work in the winter? Please redraw with coats and snow.
Yes, the building will work in the winter.
How does positioning of school affect light and energy usage? Study showed building at a different angle.
A detailed energy model is performed to evaluate the position of the school and the materials utilized on the outside of the building to provide optimal energy performance and minimize glare inside the building.
Temperatures will increase over life of building. How will external building site be designed to mitigate heat island effect?
The building is being designed to the latest energy codes and will be extremely energy efficient.
What insulation, system/material will you use to guarantee the maximum energy saving for the whole building?
The exterior wall is being designed as very energy efficient with an R-value of 20 to provide for high energy savings, in excess of current standards.
Please maximize use of wood in interior spaces for aesthetics and environmental (carbon) value.
Wood, as well as other natural materials, are being considered for the building interior spaces.
Are we incorporating EV parking?
It is our intension to seek grant funding for EV parking.
Any thoughts of pursuing well building practices?
Not at this time.
VRF DOAS?
DOAS means Dedicated Outside Air System. VRF means Variable Refrigerant Flow. This refers to the system that will be used to provide ventilation within the building.
LED lighting is great for efficiency - please select LED light systems that have good light quality (e.g. CRI) as well as efficiency.
We are incorporating LED lighting that is good quality and the colors will be evaluated during design.
What is PV in sustainable design?
PV stands for photovoltaic panels; the solar panels that are currently being planned for the project.
Native plantings?
Native, non-invasive, and adapted trees will be planted.
Outstanding. Space is nice. What is the landscaping plan for it?
Landscape plans will be developed during the design development phase later this fall.
What are the landscape design plans?
Landscape plans will be developed during the design development phase later this fall.
Will existing mature trees be maintained when possible?
Yes, wherever possible existing trees will be maintained.
Will native trees be planted when new trees are needed?
Native, non-invasive, and adapted trees will be planted.
What is the plan to give students access to green natural spaces?
Student will have access to green and natural space as part of instruction, dining, and athletics.
ADA access for fans to gyms? How do fans get there?
All areas of the school are ADA accessible compliant.
Where will MEH kids have recess? Will there be space for play equipment?
During construction, an area will be provided for MEH students to have outdoor space for recess. Once construction is complete, MEH students will be able to use the multi-use field for recess.
Outdoor play space for MEH?
During construction, an area will be provided for MEH students to have outdoor space for recess. Once construction is complete, MEH students will be able to use the multi-use field for recess.
What is the plan to mitigate poor air quality on playing fields?
The stadium and baseball fields are not being relocated.
Are locker rooms , wrestling room, and fitness room below grading? Water/flooding is a current problem at MEH in locker rooms.
Yes, these spaces are below grade. Careful planning and engineering will be performed to ensure that these spaces do not experience water/flooding problems.
Location of concession stand by competition gym? Storage of food products?
There is a concession stand located near the main gym that can be used for sales and storage.
Are locker rooms with home+away team spaces?
Home teams will have a team locker room. Visiting teams will utilize the PE locker rooms.
Wall of windows behind basketball hoop?
The extent of glass is the gym is being evaluated behind the basketball hoops.
Concern: Glass windows for basketball area?
The extent of glass is the gym is being evaluated behind the basketball hoops.
Depth perception for basketball shooting ask coaches?
The extent of glass is the gym is being evaluated behind the basketball hoops.
Are there plans for the perimeter? Seems like it could accommodate parking or more space for walking or even more outdoor classes.
To be answered...
Baseball field could be made smaller! (Move outfield fence in)
There are no plans to modify the baseball field.
Will baseball field be updated, enhanced or resurfaced?
There are no plans to modify the baseball field.
Paint Mason "M" on turf field of stadium.
There are no plans to modify the stadium.
Rectangular practice field needs to be both artificial turf + lights . This helps with staggered practice times of HS teams and community use.
The multi-use field will be artificial turf. Lighting is being designed and will be considered, depending on budgetary constraints.
Will the fields have lights?
Softball field will have lighting. The multi-use field and tennis courts will have lighting designed for them and will be considered, depending on budgetary constraints.
Is it feasible to get a pool into the design? That seems to be an important need.
There are no plans to include a pool in the program.
Why so much space for tennis but no pool?
There are no plans to include a pool in the program.
How will the school balance community use with security?
The community spaces are located on the main level and outdoor areas of the school. Academic spaces are on the upper levels of the buildilng. This separation will allow for a comprehensive security plan.
Will all even use the same main entrances?
The community and school will use the same main entrances.
What have the school board and the library board done together to identify opportunities for mutually beneficial structural /activity innovations in their plans for new/renovated buildings?
FCCPS and the City are working together on opportunities related to construction and our new buildings and the conversations are ongoing.
Where is flexible space available for meetings and community organizations?
There will be many areas for community meetings to include the cafeteria, conference rooms and collaborative areas.
What community use is anticipated other than sports/performing arts?
There are currently many community uses such as weekend Language Schools, Arts Classes, ACT/SAT Prep classes and HOA Meetings. In addition to sports and performing arts, common areas like the library, cafeteria, and collaborative spaces will be available in addition to classrooms. Overall, we anticipate more space being available.
Can community use track?
Yes. During specific hours (both outside and inside tracks)
Does design allow use of classroom space for adult learning?
Yes
Is there enough parking for events? What is the difference between current and future?
In addtion to on school property parking we will be looking to collaborate with adjoining properties for overflow parking.
I like the use of collaborative space and the use of natural light.
THANK YOU!
What is the plan to acclimate teachers to a learning space that is non-traditional?
New school design will provide teachers space to plan, collaborate, and teach in a variety of settings. Professional development will be provided to aid transition.
What existing schools have been built using the 21st century concept? I am worried about noise and inefficient use of space.
Academies of Loudoun and Frederick County Middle School are both schools built to the current proposed design that were toured by FCCPS.
Have teachers had input on the academic design and pod system?
FCCPS Staff and Teacher Program / Design review sessions are being held during the month of August.
Have all design initiatives for instructional space been thoroughly tested?
To be answered...
Will we continue to offer and strengthen the partnership with Arlington Extension (college level work in veterinarian sciences, pre-med, vet tech, etc.)
Yes, we will continue to work with Arlington to provide students with access to specialized courses where we have limited enrollment. However, we will continue to review our program to look for opportunities to provide those classes at George Mason.
How will FCCPS incorporate sustainable building design into curriculum?
To be answered...
Will there be homerooms?
It is our intention to maintain Mustang Block which often serves as a homeroom for some students.
How in and out flow of students at school separated from MEH and MS students?
MEH students will use MEH entrances. GMHS student will use new GMHS main entrance.
Will the dining terrace be available to both MS and HS students?
The dining terrace is for use only by the HS.
Concern about interactions between MS and HS students will be self contained except for cafeteria- Realize different time schedules?
MS students will utilize MEH dining hall and serving line. GMHS students will utilize the GMHS serving line and dining spaces. The only shared space between the two schools is the kitchen.
How will the spaces be used for standardized testing? My child needs accommodations (separate space per an I.E.P./504 plan) and the open plan seems to be a problem.
Careful consideration is being planned for testing and areas where accomodations are needed for IEPs. These spaces will be smaller classroom settings that provide for the needs of these environments.
This construction design is going to require changes to culture to maximize. Accountability will have to be loosened to allow students freedom to explore and utilize spaces-are we prepared for that as an organization?
Yes. While students will have access to spaces outside the classroom, visability for teachers will be improved.
Classroom sizes- What is projected # of students that classroom size/collab. Space is based on? Does this meet enrollment projections?
The classroom spaces will accomodate anywhere from 1 to 35 students, with the standard classroom size being 800 square feet.
Does the school support future growth? 1500 students without any additional construction?
Yes, the current design will accomodate 1500 students without additional construction.
How many students would the collaborate spaces hold?
A variety of collaboration spaces are being provided to allow for different gathering sizes.
Will openness of vision from classrooms be distracting as people walk by classrooms?
No, at schools where this openess is already in place the students and teachers do not experience distraction.
Glass walls in hallways/classrooms. How will distractions in classroom be able to be mediated?
At schools where this design concept is already utilized, the students and teachers do not experience distraction.
Interior glass is beautiful but I think students will have trouble concentrating with distractions. How can this be corrected respectively with the esthetic?
At schools where this design concept is already utilized, the students and teachers do not experience distraction.
Other than transparency can you elaborate on how this differs from pods in the "open classrooms" concept in 70's-80's?
The open spaces are designed to be both classroom and collaborative spaces that supplement, but do not replace, classrooms.
Will this "open plan" make it harder for students to focus? Adults find it hard to focus in "open plan" offices, and these students are teenagers.
There are a variety of open and closed spaces being provided throughout the school, to allow the appropriate environment for the type of learning taking place.
Open design - How much noise is expected?
There are stringent sound requirements in place for schools that the design team will plan for to minimize sound transmission between spaces.
How much use will the common spaces really get? My experience is that they end up being under-utilized (expensive) real-estate.
By providing strong visual connections between classrooms and common areas, these spaces are heavily utilized because the teacher can still provide supervision even when a student is not directly in the classroom.
Will there be ability to have projecting spaces/whiteboards etc. in collaborative spaces?
Yes, both writing surfaces and technology are being planned for collaboration spaces.
What is the "heart of the school" concept?
A common corridor/spine runs throughout the center of the school where all main activities are accessed. This allows for collaboration, display, and interactions in ways that traditional corridors in a school do not allow.
What is a maker room?
It is a collaborative space that allows for making, learning, and exploring and encourages hands-on learning. These spaces typically include 3-D printers and spaces for students to work on projects.
Where is the library?
The Library/Media Center is located on the second floor.
How will library be different from a traditional school?
Libraries are not much less of an emphasis on books, and more on a collaborative space to provide for meeting, impromptu socialization spot and a place for quiet study.
Media Center = Library? Were library staff consulted?
Yes, the library staff is involved in the planning of the new media center.
Where is the library located?
The Library/Media Center is located on the second floor.
Media Center to contain current library collection?
Yes, the media center will incorporate the current collection.
This is a IB school. How is the design of the school differentiate the school from other schools in terms of nurturing other skills critical for success for 1B students?
Spaces like the Maker Space and collaboration zones will provide for areas for IB students to explore critical problem solving skills.
Mindfulness/well-being/social and emotional skills are important part of IB systems. Where in this school building provide room/space for these studies?
The new GMHS will have a variety of flexible and comfortable spaces for the use of students to collaborate. Any of these spaces can be used to promote mindfulness and well-being.
What/where will be the electrical infrastructure in academic spaces? Charging?
Places for charging of laptops and cell phones will be planned throughout the academic spaces.
Type of projection device in classroom?
Interactive flat screens are being planned for the classrooms.
What is the auditorium capacity?
The auditorium is sized for 650.
Is auditorium size for recreation dance programs?
Yes
Fine
This is being planned for.
Is the auditorium large enough to accommodate plays and performances? Sell outs are disappointing.
The auditorium is sized for 650.
Need large auditorium for community.
The auditorium is sized for 650.
Can the auditorium hold the whole school? If not, why not?
The auditorium is sized for 650. It is not being planned to house the hold the whole school because the majority of the school day it would be unused, and this square footage would take away from other more utilized spaces.
Will there be smaller practices rooms for warm up or small combo practices so the band room can have multiple practices areas?
Yes.
Will you make changes to the performing arts area at MEH/cafetorium which has proven to be less user friendly for audiences due to sight limitations and challenges with audio volume during shows?
This project will not be making changes to the MEH cafetorium.
Will there be a small black box?
Yes.
What spaces are planned other than band room/auditorium? Digital media? Photo?
Yes, digital media and photography are being planned for. There are 4 visual arts labs in the program.
The presenter noted immediate access for teams to the football field - what will accessibility look like for performers in band?-Big instruments like percussion for example
This access will also be utilized by the band performers and will provide easy access to the field area.
Will there be sufficient instrument storage? And musical library space?
Yes, instrument storage and a musical library are in the program.
Storage space for music, etc. of facility concert band?
Yes, instrument storage and a musical library are in the program.
Will you factor in a loading area for chairs, stands, percussion when bands travel for graduation, off-site events or concerts?
Elevators and the loading dock would be available to move these items.
Where will the buses possibly be located? (the off-site location mentioned)
There is potential for buses to move to an off-site location in the area, and we are working with the General Government on possible locations.
The planned school includes parking for 20 buses. How many buses are there now?
There are currently more than 20 buses.
Kiss'n'Ride loop drop off/pick up students and athletes
There will be a drop off and pick up area at the new school.
Can the entry path for drop off vehicles be re-rooted? As it is every student and teacher will have to cross a busy to enter.
The drop-off zone is being designed to avoid foot traffic crossing in front of buses or cars.
How will the school encourage car-pooling to reduce car trips to school?
We will continue to encourage car-pooling both to reduce car trips to and from school and on evenings with concurrent events at MEH and GM. We are exploring other options to reward students who carpool (i.e. designated spaces, discounts)
How will we reduce parking needs with better support for bikes and pedestrians?
We are committed to supporting biking and walking to school. In addition, there is grant funding from NVDOT to address accessibility.
There really doesn’t seem like enough parking.
We are continuing to assess parking in the design process.
What percentage of peak parking demand will the current plan meet?
We recognize that peak parking is an issue, and we continue to work through the design process to maximize parking given the constraints of the site.
What options are being explored to meet the short fall?
We are exploring other options to reward staff and students who carpool (i.e. designated spaces, discounts) and/or walk/bike to the site.
Will there be enough parking for business and school in trapezoid area?
The trapezoid is for school parking only and will not be accommodating business parking.
How many parking spaces in the parking trapezoid?
185 spaces.
How much student parking/how close to school?
There will be a total of 315 spaces for staff/students/visitors on the school campus.
Parking for visiting fans?
There will be designated visitor parking located on the property.
Is there any provision to expand parking later?
We intend to have conversations with the developer about shared parking for both sites.
How will you maintain pavement?
FCCPS Facilities will continue to maintain all parking lots and replace as needed.