Fifth graders at Casis Elementary School in Austin, Texas recently gathered to celebrate the completion of construction on the first phase of their new campus.
Students decorated white hard hats to illustrate their favorite thing about the new school, which they wore as part of the fifth grade graduation festivities. The event also featured a tour of the modernized campus and an unveiling of the final design details, which were developed with the help of students.
Casis Elementary School Students Celebrate New Campus
Teachers, family and friends, as well as representatives from LPA and Joeris General Contractors, attended the celebration.
“This was a wonderful opportunity for students, faculty and the district to come together and celebrate the updated school, while sharing which part of the campus is most meaningful to them,” said Maria Jankiewicz, designer at LPA.
The modernized campus, which reflects extensive input from teachers, students and parents, creates indoor and outdoor collaborative learning spaces that preserve the school’s connection with nature and the much-beloved Casis Forest – a large grove of trees behind the campus.
All classrooms and learning spaces, as well as the gym and cafeteria, are completed and will be ready for students to enjoy in the fall. Phase two, which will complete by summer 2022, will include an administrative wing and library.
“The connection between the school, the surrounding community and nature was the driving force behind the modernization,” added Jankiewicz. “Energy efficiency was also extremely important, and the campus is designed to meet LEED Silver standards."
The design and renovation of Casis Elementary School is a part of the Austin ISD 2017 Bond Program to create 21st-century learning spaces for all students.
