Since I came to PTSC in 2012, we have been talking about renovations that needed to happen at Porter Lakes Elementary School. After years of planning and structuring the project so that it is tax neutral--we are finally to the point of seeing the work happen!
The first signs of this project beginning will roll out this week as construction fencing will be put in place in the PLE parking lot and in the front of the building, resulting in the closure of the front entrance door this Thursday. This must happen as construction on the new office is set to begin. (You can read some former PTSC Updates about this project here, here, and here.) This is just one of many things we will be doing at the building, many of which will happen over the summer.
While this construction will certainly bring about change in how to access the building, we are excited about the enhanced safety it will provide for our students once the office is complete. Here are some things you may wish to know to make accessing the building easier:
The front entrance will be closed this Thursday.
The new main entrance to PLE for visitors will be at the back of the building at the door closest to the cafeteria (Door D).
There is a camera and a buzzer system already at this door. The procedure will be the same to gain access to the building.
Visitor parking will be in the main, north lot (the portion not fenced in for construction). Park in the main lot and walk to Door D.
Bus riders will still be dropped off and picked up in the front of the building. They will now enter and exit from the front, south door (which students practiced this morning).
The car rider line will still be in the same place, although it will not go as far up the sidewalk as it has in the past due to the construction. Car riders will exit from the back of the building and cars will be loaded by the back cafeteria door. PLE sent out a map showing this new configuration in their weekly newsletter.
All construction workers must wear badges and have background checks as we require.
Even with the most meticulously made plans, there is always need for flexibility. We often talk to our students about the need to be flexible and believe it is an important lifeskill. We are all anxious for the day (hopefully before the end of the school year) when we open the doors on the new office--all to provide increased security. We appreciate your patience while construction is in process!