On Thursday, August 14, the Mountain View Los Altos (MVLA) High School District held two ribbon-cutting ceremonies to officially open new classroom buildings at both campuses.  Board President Judy Hannemann and Superintendent Barry Groves presided over the festivities.  The early morning events at 8am and 9am drew light crowds of visitors, project participants and students. Mountain View mayor John Inks attended the Mountain View campus ceremony.

photo of Judy Hannemann, Board President and Barry Groves, Superintendent, MVLA High School District
Judy Hannemann, Board President listens as Barry Groves, Superintendent, MVLA High School District, delivers a few words to the small crowd at the new Los Altos campus building

The ceremonies were in preparation for the August 19 first day of classes and arrival of 3,800 students, including 1000 members of the Class of 2017. The projects at the MVLA High Schools were funded by the voter approved District Measure A Construction Program bond which passed in June 2010.

Barry Groves and Judy Hannemann at the new buildings on the Mountain View High campus
Barry Groves and Judy Hannemann at the new one-story buildings on the Mountain View High campus
John Inks, Mayor of Mountain View ( brown jacket ) attended the Mountain View campus ribbon-cutting
John Inks, Mayor of Mountain View,  in brown sports jacket attended the Mountain View campus ribbon-cutting

 

 The MVLA High Schools both have new buildings

At the Los Altos High School campus (LAHS) the project consists of adding 12 general education and art classrooms in a striking new two-story building and renovating the existing art classrooms into science classrooms in the existing building nextdoor. On the day of the ribbon-cutting a few parts were still on order – mainly some exterior siding,  stair railings and the elevator. But the building inspector was able to certify the project for occupancy, and it was fully furnished and equipped for the first day of school.

The new two story classroom at Los Altos High. A few parts are still on order, exterior siding, some railings, the elevator.
This is the new two- story classroom at Los Altos High. A few parts are still on order, exterior siding, some railings, the elevator. But it is fully furnished and ready for occupancy the first day of classes.

At Mountain View High School campus (MVHS) the project consists of adding nine general education and three physical science classrooms in two new one-story buildings plus upgrading two physical science classrooms into biology classrooms in the existing science building.

Seeking U.S. Green Building Council LEED Silver certification, the new buildings  feature high efficiency lighting and mechanical systems, superior natural lighting, superior acoustics, sustainable building products, native landscaping, and bio swales to control storm runoff as well as solar panels on roofs.  The projects were designed by Sugimura Finney Architects (Project Architect Linda Mao). The construction was managed by Kramer Project Development Co. Inc.

The Citizens Oversight Committee worked closely with the District throughout the planning, environmental impact report and construction phases to ensure that the District’s performance on the bond program is in line with the purposes specified in the ballot language. The construction began in May 2012 and is scheduled to be completed on time and within budget.

Story and photos by Observer Alternates – Sue Graham and Norma Schroder

For more info see “MVLA Opens 24 New Classrooms” on the MVLA School District website – www.mvla.net.

ONLINE: http://www.mvla.net/District/News/2762-MVLA-Opens-24-New-Classrooms.html

More  LOS ALTOS CAMPUS Photos …

Los Altos campus - inside the new two story building - the first floor. This is a Spanish language room with pinatas.
Los Altos campus – inside the new two -story building – the first floor. This is a Spanish language room.
Los Altos two-story building - the second floor features 12 foot high windows with a view.
Los Altos two-story building – the second floor features 12+ foot high windows with a view of the grassy sports fields.
Los Altos High - a view of the recently refurbished football field from the new two-story classroom.
Los Altos High – a view of the recently refurbished football field from the stairs of the new two-story classroom. 

More MOUNTAIN VIEW CAMPUS Photos …

Student Boosters in pink listen to Barry Groves remarks at the Mountain View campus ceremony
Student Boosters in pink listen to Barry Groves remarks at the Mountain View campus ceremony