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Pascack Valley High School renovations complete
(by Kathryn A. Burger - October 17, 2007)
STAFF PHOTO BY KATHRYN A. BURGER
The new front entrance of
Pascack
Valley
High School bears little resemblance to the one it replaced. The decorative brickwork, pillars and glass wall combine the traditional with the contemporary. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held on Saturday, Oct. 20 at 10 a.m. followed by guided tours.
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It takes four years of study to graduate from
Pascack
Valley
High School . The first year is exciting but can be daunting at times. Students have to begin planning their coursework for their high school career and hope the plan works out they way they intended – that what they think they want to pursue as freshman is the same by the time they’re seniors.
There will, inevitably, be changes along the way – dropping one course in favor of another, rearranging their schedule, dropping a study hall to take an elective or an AP course. It’s more work, but it will be worth it, they hope. By graduation, they have a solid education and many, a plan for the future. They’ve positioned themselves academically to make the most of the rest of their lives.
It took four years for the extensive renovations and additions to be completed at
Pascack
Valley
High School . The first year involved planning the work, making timelines and assessing logistical challenges so that the next three years would inconvenience the school community as little as possible while maintaining a positive learning environment.
Along the way, there were modifications to the original plan, change-orders, and other issues that had to be dealt with. But now, the renovations are complete and the
Pascack
Valley
Regional
High
School District is ready to show the community that the time, effort, inconvenience and expense were worth it.
On Saturday, Oct. 20, the school will host an Open House, beginning with ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. Guided tours of the building will follow, led by members of the school’s student government.
Barbara Sapienza, Ed.D., principal of the
Pascack
Valley , commented on some of the enhancements and improvements that students and faculty now enjoy. “In the instructional areas, students now have an opportunity to have expanded experiences. For example, the new science rooms are both instructional areas and laboratories.”
Sapienza said for 15 years, she has wanted a new science wing built to replace the 50-year-old science rooms. Since the new science rooms have a dual purpose, Sapienza said students can use their time more efficiently to work on research and experiments.
Another change that went hand-in-hand with the new construction and renovations is the physical grouping of various subject areas. Sapienza said, “This strategy encourages interdisciplinary opportunities where students make connections and broaden their knowledge.”
New facilities for the arts have been anxiously awaited and are now a reality. “The arts are a vital part of the student experience at
Pascack
Valley and the three new rooms – for art and video productions – provide expanded opportunities for student development and experience,” Sapienza said. “Our newly expanded auditorium can accommodate 725 people, where our audiences will enjoy dramatic and musical productions. In addition, the choirs and bands will now be able to perform in an appropriate setting and showcase their talents.”
There is also a new track, and a turf field, as well as a new gym. Sapienza said these improvements will, among other things, allow the school to host larger meets and events.
Sapienza encourages community members, students and their families, and alumni to attend the ceremony. The tours will be completed by 12:30 p.m., in time for the homecoming football game.
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