Construction is almost complete on Blue Valley’s newest elementary school.
Driving the news: Earlier this month, the district had the new school’s Principal Gretchen Anderson give residents a sneak peak into the building, which is currently dubbed “Elementary 24.”
Where exactly? The $24 million bond-funded project is being constructed in the expanding southwest portion of the district at 182nd Terrace and Long Street.
Who will attend school there? Once open, any household that resides west of U.S. 69 Highway and east of the midway point between Quivira and Pflumm roads, between 183rd Street to the north and 215th Street to the south, will fall under the new school’s boundary lines.
- Additionally, a portion of residences between 167th Street and 183rd Street will also be incorporated into the new school.
Interior details: The school is designed in a similar shape to an uppercase “E,” with three pods that branch off of the main structure, or hear, of the building.
- School assemblies, musicals, collaborative learning experiences and lunch time will take place in the heart of the building.
- Each of the pods have their own collaborative learning spaces, which can be used as flexible learning environments.
- On the ceiling, each pod has green ceiling structures meant to resemble tree branches.
The library: For its library and media center, Elementary 24 will have both formal and informal instructional areas.
- Carpets, couches and other alternative seating are set to be used in the more casual learning spaces, while movable desks and chairs will be used in the formal learning area of the center.
- “This space was designed for instruction, collaboration and exploration,” Anderson said.
Outside elements: Anderson said with the building design, architects tried to mimic nature both inside the school and throughout its exterior.
- The brick pattern on the outside of school is designed to imitate a forest, while portions of the building were painted marine blue to represent water and clover green for land.
- An abundance of aspen trees, which are native to Kansas, were also planted across the campus to bring an evergreen feel to the school.
- To incorporate learning outside, an outdoor performance area was also built in addition to traditional playground equipment.
What’s next for Elementary 24?
Elementary 24 is expected to open next August for the start of the 2023-24 school year.
- Several details about the school, including its name and mascot, have yet to be decided by the district.
