Classroom at Barranca Mesa Elementary School. Photo Courtesy LAPS
LAPS NEWS RELEASE
On Aug. 15, students who attend Barranca Mesa Elementary walked through the doors to a new two-story building that was made possible by Los Alamos voters in the 2017 bond election. “Students, staff and parents were excited to see the new building after watching the progress of construction over the past year,” said Principal Gina Terrazas. “Everyone is enjoying our new space.”
The new building includes classrooms specifically designed for hands-on and minds-on learning in grades first through sixth grades. The new early childhood center will open in January 2020.
Teacher input was a key factor in the design process. Classrooms are project-based and include ample storage to support this concept. There are also several energy efficient features including LED lighting.
Members of the community were invited to a thank you tour of the new facility earlier this month and were bowled over by the new look. One attendee was heard saying, “Thank you so much for the tour. Now it feels like our school again.”
Work has now shifted to refurbishing the 100 and 200 buildings that include an early childhood center, gym, library and additional classrooms. The recent discovery of a second roof system underneath the existing roof on these buildings has led to the addition of a total replacement to the scope of work. The entire renovation project will be completed in March 2020.
“We are excited to see the Early Childhood Wing starting to take shape,” said Terrazas. “Last week the windows went in and sheetrock was put up. Staff and students alike have commented on how different it is starting to look and how wonderful it is going to be when we move in.”
The proposed general obligation bond on the ballot will benefit Chamisa Elementary and Piñon Elementary schools with no tax increase.
Early voting is open in White Rock and Los Alamos until Nov 2. Election day is Nov. 5. In-person voter registration is available at the County Clerk’s Office until Nov 2.