2008 PS 39 Scaffolding News from the Principal

The building looks quite imposing with all of the scaffolding but that's a good sign believe it or not. The safety precautions on the window replacement project are quite strict both structurally and environmentally. So far the work is progressing right according to schedule which is rare in the DOE but the various construction teams have been meeting regularly and following up to ensure that the timeline is being closely followed. The asbestos removal work that we all predicted would have to be done in a building as old as ours began last weekend and will be completed this week and this weekend. Teams are working almost around the clock to make sure that the asbestos work is done before some staff returns on the 25^thof August 2008..

When meeting with the various project managers I insisted that the 8^th St. side of the building be completed first so that we would have access to the yard as quickly as possible. The projects are usually completed floor by floor so this was an unusual request. The contractors agreed to do so, thankfully, so the scaffolding in the yard will be the first to come down. They are anticipating it coming down in that area during the first week of October. This will mean that the month of September will be a little challenging but we're only looking at xx school days so that's not terrible considering the alternatives.

We'll line up the lower grades in Camp Friendship until the 8^th street scaffolding comes down and we'll explore the possibility of students having some extra time at CF in September while they're unable to have recess in the yard. The remaining work in the building will take place in the evenings after 6:00 p.m. and on weekends so the students and staff won't be inconvenienced during the day. They are hoping to wrap up the entire project in December at the latest. Hopefully if all goes according to plans we'll have all of the scaffolding down long before the spring.

I'm very encouraged by the progress to date and the cleanliness of the project. It will be great to have less asbestos in the building and better insulation in the winter when the project is completed so we all need to keep our eyes on the prize as we soldier on.

Principal Anita De Paz