Modular Construction Information

 
Please see the letter from Dr. Doherty below my note for more information.

The modular installation will begin during the last week of May. This is a good thing because the projected timeline has them complete before the start of school (with this start date it has them completed by mid/late August.) For our site it creates challenges for us for this last month of school because it will be an active construction area. They have to dig trenches from 2 points in the school into the blacktop to connect the various utilities to the modulars as well as install the foundations for them. The working area essentially covers the entire blacktop, closing it for the last month of the school year. I am hoping to meet with the contractors to gain clarity on their timelines as well as where they will be blocking off the back areas. This will obviously have an impact on outdoor recess, field days, and drop-off and pick-up routines. I am hoping to gain clarity from them about how wide the construction area will be so I can get more information to you. There is a possibility that outdoor recess may be very limited for the last month of the school year due to this work. This is all the information I have right now. I will keep you updated as I gain more information and can provide more specifics (dates, exits, etc.) Thank you for your patience during this construction project so we can provide learning spaces for all our Barrows students!



A message from READING SCHOOL DISTRICT

 Good Morning, Barrows, Eaton, and Killam Families,

I hope all is well and you are enjoying your spring. This is the first of many emails that we will be sending parents on the progress of the modular classroom construction that will be occurring over the next few months. As you are aware, Town Meeting voted to support the construction of two modular classrooms at each of three of our elementary schools (Barrows, Eaton, and Killam) in order to accommodate the additional classroom space needs at these locations. These modular classrooms will be the home of some of the kindergarten classes at each school and will be furnished to meet the needs of our kindergarten students.

Recently, we went out to bid for the modular design and construction and Vanguard Construction Company was awarded the bid. Vanguard has extensive experience in modular classroom construction. Vanguard has developed a construction timeline which shows completion of the modular classrooms for the start of the 2015-16 school year. In order for that completion to occur, construction will need to begin during the week of May 24. Unfortunately, this means that certain parts of the back of each school, including play areas, and possibly playgrounds will not be accessible to students for the last month of the 2014-2015 school year.

We are working with Vanguard to ensure a safe environment for our students and staff during the construction phase of the project. Your building principal will be providing more details on the plans for outside activities during the last month of the school year.

Thank you for your patience during this project. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your building principal or the Reading Public Schools Administration Office at 781-944-5800.
Take care.