General Design

Will floor to floor access be easy to find and plentiful? Stairs, elevators, etc?

Yes there will be multiple stair options allowing vertical movement through the school, elevators will also be provided for ADA needs

Sustainability

What types of materials are used for parking?

Permeable asphalt paving

Is a reuse system, capture rain water and reuse in sink/toilets, on the table with FCCPS?

We do not currently have rainwater re-use in the design. However, we are implementing other LEED and sustainable strategies throughout our project to achieve at a minimum Gold status and be net zero ready.

Are CO2 sensors being used in rooms? Is there a consideration to use occupancy and vacancy sensors instead?

CO2 sensors are used to determine appropriate ventilation air requirements for each space. Use of occupancy/vacancy sensor would require a greater use of energy as a sensor does not determine if there is a single person versus a full classroom. CO2 sensors allow the building to put the ventilation air where the population is.

Could we take air quality samples of the area? What filters are being used?

The new building will utilize geothermal wells and will include air filters to ensure air quality.

Who will select company who designs & installs geothermal heat pump system?

Gilbane, the selected contractor, will purchase this scope as a part of our project delivery.

Can we discuss ADA regulations and inclusions with sustainable mindset?

The building as a whole is being designed with the NetZero and LEED Gold requirements in mind, including ADA requirements.

How are decisions regarding materials being made?

Building materials are being selected through the design process with the guidance of the selected design build team.

Hands on learning opportunities; integration or sustainability with curriculum

We are working to integrate the building sustainability into the instructional program. Thank you for your comment.

Lack of space for hydroponics & aquaponics, near food service?

We will be planning for these spaces during design development.

Use screens in place of paper.

Our students currently use Macbooks for much of their school work, this practice will continue as we move to the new school.

Need hydration stations, look at "water monster" group drink dispensing

Drinking fountains are being provided throughout the school.

STEM engagement is needed, school is living laboratory

Thank you for your comment

Make facility sustainability features and systems not only visible but also able to be monitored by students/teachers

We are working to integrate the building sustainability into the instructional program. Thank you for your comment.

What is current outdoor environment for air quality?

We are working with the design build team to incorporate landscaping to help improve the outdoor environment.

Monitoring air quality is a problem, trees to buffer playing fields by 66

Our project aims to maintain much of the existing tree coverage in the areas of the site not being developed subject to the City's tree preservation policies.

Use creative ways to include rain gardens

We will look to incorporate different features as we solve storm water management and other sustainable requirements.

Use of storm water in bathrooms, reuse systems

We do not currently have rainwater re-use in our budget. However, we are implementing other LEED and sustainable strategies throughout our project to achieve at a minimum Gold status and be net zero ready.

Desire to go beyond compliance based on current storm water projections but look at future projects

In addition to following all VA Department of Environmental Quality (VADEQ) regulations, the project will work in collaboration with the City and the Economic Development partners on strategies that leverage best overall use of the site.

Use trees to mitigate heat island effect, climate delta

In addition to maintaining much of the existing trees as possible, we anticipate adding new trees and other softscapes where appropriate.

Get input from PV design companies before building is ready

We are interested in a power purchase agreement and will start the process as design and construction continues.

Use landscape to mitigate heat island effect proximal to building

In addition to maintaining much of the existing trees as possible, we anticipate adding new trees and other softscapes where appropriate.

Trees should be thought of in the wider perspective, not just canopy

The landscape design will look to incorporate trees or other softscapes by fully integrating them into the overall design concept.

Shade for windows should be included

Windows are being provided with shades

Generalized community concern that value engineering has caused Falls Church to forgo long term benefits for short term cost savings, not "future proofing"

The overall design of the building and the commitment to LEED and being Net Zero are priorities to FCCPS.

Use locally & sustainably sourced materials

Wherever possible these will be considered

Maximize use of wood

Material selections will be studied during design development

Athletics

Will there be space for the existing Athletic Hall of Fame?

We have space for Hall of Fame items. We are working with Athletics to determine the location.

Would it be possible to map out a home cross country course?

Due to the compact nature of our campus, there is not space for a cross country course.

Would it be possible to plan to bubble the softball field in the future?

At present, there are no plans to bubble the softball field.

Will the plan include a nice path to walk between athletic events?

Yes, currently nicknamed Mustang Way.

There is extra space by the baseball field. Can that be looked at for other use? e.g. Parking

The site has been maximized for use including athletic fields and storm water management requirements.

Can the baseball field be reoriented?

There are no plans to do work on the baseball field at this time.

When the baseball lights go off, it is very dark. Does this present a safety issue kids leaving when dark?

Site lighting is being reviewed in design development.

How do we incorporate school spirit and school traditions into new building?

We are working with Athletics, Education Foundation, and school Administration to ensure school traditions and legacy items are included in the new school.

Will there be storage for wrestling mats when not in use?

Yes.

Is it possible to plan to bubble/dome softball field?

At present, there are no plans to bubble the softball field.

Athletics should allow for well-rounded students.

Thank you for your comment.

There should be facilities for all.

Thank you for your comment.

There needs to be adequate locker facilities

Locker facilities are being planned with school staff input.

Good/easy circulation around outdoor fields is needed

Yes, this is being planned with a path currently nicknamed Mustang Way

School traditions/school pride needs to be honored

We are working with Athletics, Education Foundation, and school Administration to ensure school traditions and legacy items are included in the new school.

Advertising/sponsor signage needs to be considered

All opportunities for revenue are being considered.

Lighting of fields/site is required

There needs to be adequate storage for wrestling.

Storage is being planned.

Where will the middle school outdoor area be?

Middle school students will have access to all outdoor areas. We will continue to evaluate areas that can be used for middle school recess through the design phase.

Parking & Transportation

Should students have parking spaces?

For students whose parents elect for them to drive to school, student parking will be provided.

Will there be a bike share option?

We are working with the economic development to look into bike share options. The general government is working with Capital Bikeshare to expand into Falls Church City.

Will there be bike racks?

Yes.

Parking will be difficult with conflicting evening activities

We are working with the economic development to address our shared parking needs.

It is not "cool" to ride the bus; middle school/high school is together, there is no AC, they are crowded

All school buses currently have air conditioning. We regularly evaluate ridership and adjust routes to accommodate our students needs.

Metro system is not close to a bus stop

As the economic development continues, the general government will work with WMATA to improve public transportation.

Connection to W&OD trail is preferred

We will continue to work with the general government on bike routes.

W&OD trail improvements are needed

Thank you for your comment.

There is concern about the number of parking spots

We are working with the economic development to address our shared parking needs.

Community Use

Lack of communication with Rec & Parks department about what the use will look like moving forward. Will programs end?

Programming at the new building is still being addressed. There is no plan to cut programs and the new school will have more space available for community use.

What classrooms will be available for community use?

The new building has a variety of spaces that are multi-functional. We have a long history of community use at GMHS and will continue to accommodate that when the new school opens.

How will the school close off certain areas?

The new building allows for areas to be closed off through closed/locked doorways.

What will new memorial look like?

There will be space for memorials outside and inside the school. The Education Foundation is leading the effort to incorporate legacy items.

Design team needs range of programming and schedules to understand community use needs

The design build team is aware that the community uses school spaces. Community use is being considered throughout the design process.

Revisit plans for community access to common areas and classrooms

Access for community use is being planned for.

Landing/dedicated space/station for parks and recreation is needed

Access for community use is being planned for.

Digital access to schedule of events is required

FCCPS currently posts a schedule of community events at all schools and will continue to do so.

Due to lack of public use space in FCC, GMHS will be highly sought after.

Increased used is being considered. Thank you for your comment.

Curate memorial information, possible kiosk/digital portal of information?

The Education Foundation is leading the effort to incorporate legacy items.

Academics

Will sound from open spaces transmit into classrooms?

Careful consideration is given to acoustics to avoid sounds transmitting through the school

It looks like there are many areas for collaboration, are there study and work spaces for focused or individual study?

Students will have access to focused work spaces in one of the many small conference rooms, breakout rooms, or in the library area.

How are the academic spaces adaptable for future learning styles?

The building has been designed for maximum flexibility in order to accommodate changes as teaching changes in the future including classroom configurations. We have engaged current GMHS staff to provide insight into teaching developments in their respective subjects.

Please provide a list of types of academic spaces within the building

There will be classrooms, or learning studios, labs, maker spaces, breakout spaces, and group collaboration spaces on the academic levels.

Will students be able to travel between classes on different levels, i.e. 5th floor to lunch or band room to 5th floor, in enough time between classes?

The vertical distance between levels is shorter than the horizontal distance from one end to the other of the current GMHS. There are also many options of vertical transportation, stairs and elevators, to provide access from floor to floor.

Please provide a journey map of a student's day in a classroom and traveling through the school.

This can be described further as the documents develop.

What are some examples of modular furniture? Please provide photos.

Furniture has not yet been selected for the spaces, but the idea is to provide desks and chairs on wheels to allow for maximum flexibility

Private spaces for students are needed for students to decompress and concentrate

The new building has space for collaboration as well as private space for study and reflection. Examples of areas with private space are breakout rooms and in the media center.

Private spaces are needed for teachers to plan

Teacher offices and collaboration space will be provided to allow for a professional setting to plan and meet with students

Need an explanation of the distribution of types of spaces

The ground and gym levels are a concentration of performing arts and athletic and spaces. The core academic spaces are concentrated on levels 3, 4, and 5, and includes academic spaces enumerated in another question.

How do we know current design is not an architectural fad for schools? How is space flexible in short/long term?

To guard against fads, the superstructure of the building allows for the demising walls to come and go easily over time depending on programmatic changes desired by the school. The structure, which does not include load-bearing demising walls, allows for these modifications.

Elaborate on accessibility for special education students

The building will provide accessibility per ADA building codes. Examples of accessibility for special education students includes mobility through ramps and elevators. To meet special education programming requirements, spaces are being designed to meet the needs of the students. For example, life skills and work transition rooms will be available in the new school.

Will there be spaces for career and technical learning?

Yes, space will be provided for career and technical learning. For example, the high school will include a fabrication lab.

Fine & Performing Arts

What is the seating capacity for the Auditorium? Is it possible to expand the number of seats?

The auditorium is sized for 650. There is an add alternate to extend the auditorium size if the budget allows.

Will there be an orchestra pit, and if so, what size will it be?

There will be a flat area in front of the stage to seat an orchestra.

What is the planned stage size?

The overall size of the stage is being developed in coordination with the faculty and staff.

What are the dimensions of the stage and how does this compare to the existing stage?

The overall size of the stage is being developed in coordination with the faculty and staff.

Will the scene shop and other back of house spaces such as dressing rooms be adjacent or connected to the auditorium? Will dressing rooms have restrooms?

Yes, the back of house spaces that need access to the stage or auditorium will have access. There will be restrooms in the back of house area.

Will there be a fly loft similar to what the school currently has?

There are no plans to include a fly loft system. The design team is working with the school to accommodate the needs of their performances including their ability to use scenery.

How is the IB program served by the auditorium and the associated spaces?

IB program needs are foundational to our school system and incorporated throughout the new building.

Will there be public restrooms near the auditorium?

Yes, there will be public restroom nearby and easy to find.

Where will the black box be and what is its capacity?

Black box is located in the lower lever as a part of the performing arts department. Final capacity will depend on layout of the space but should be at least 100 minimum.

Will there be storage space provided for the community band?

The new school will have instrument storage opportunities for the community band.

Will a sprung floor be provided within the performing arts spaces?

A sprung floor is not being planned for.