Overview of Projects

Construction of the new Washington Elementary School, the modernization and expansion of Lincoln Elementary School, and the modernization and expansion of the Castlerock facilities, which house Early Childhood Learning and Special Education, were all completed in the fall of 2016. The projects began in the spring of 2015, thanks to a Capital Improvement Bond passed by voters in 2014.

Safety has improved at each of these locations for building security, and also for pedestrian and driving safety. Each facility has improved walking routes, away from traffic, and bus zones are separated from car drop-off and pick-up areas.

The projects came in under budget! Some of the surplus funds were used to purchase portable classrooms for Wenatchee High School, Columbia Elementary School, and WestSide High School. The balance of funds is being saved for use on Phase II capital construction projects, is going before voters in April of 2018.

Washington Elementary School

The new Washington Elementary School opened its doors for the first day of school this year. Originally built in 1953, the school was the district’s oldest building. Construction of the new school began during the summer of 2015 on the property adjacent to the existing school, and classes continued in the old school throughout the construction. The old Washington was demolished in June of 2016, making it imperative that construction be completed in time for the new school year. "Washington Elementary was 63 years old and had very little upgrade during that time,” says Principal Keith Collins. “The new facility brings all of the modern accommodations to help us help our students be ready for the 21st century.”

Classrooms are equipped with state-of-the-art technology—a standard the district plans to incorporate into all its classrooms over time. Every classroom has a sound system with two microphones —one for the teacher and one for the students—to make it easier for all students to hear instruction and discussion. Each classroom has a projector that displays images from document cameras, iPads (and similar devices) or computers onto a whiteboard. Apple TV works wirelessly to project from iPads or computers, allowing the teacher to move around the room, monitoring student learning while teaching. All of this is integrated through an Extron box, mounted to the wall or available as an app on the iPad, that allows the teacher to easily navigate between devices.

The new Washington is double the size of the old school, going from 35,000 square feet to 72,000, and includes a cafeteria, which the old school lacked, and a new gymnsasium. The new classrooms are about 900 square feet and grouped in grade-level pods with a common area for small group instruction and collaborative projects. “The new Washington allows our students a greater opportunity to learn and grow,” says Collins.

The new Washington Elementary School entrance.

Lincoln Elementary School

The Lincoln modernization added a new wing built to house ten classrooms that were previously held in portables. A library and full-size gymnasium were added, along with new administrative offices located at a new entrance to the school. “We are super jazzed about our remodeled school,” says Lincoln principal Tim Sheppard. “It is both beautiful and a boost to morale working in our new spaces.”

Like Washington, the classrooms were built to 21st Century Learning standards using state-of-the art technology. The classrooms are 900 square feet, complete with built-in storage behind sliding white boards, along with a sink and drinking fountain in each room. Four classrooms are clustered in pods and open onto a common space where small group learning or collaborative learning between classes can take place. Each pod has their own set of computers, and each classroom is outfitted with technology, including Apple TV, which allows any student in the classroom to sync wirelessly and display their work to the class through a projector.

The building is very secure. When school is in session doors are locked and visitors enter through two entrances. The doors must be electronically unlocked by staff before people are allowed to access inside. “Thanks, Wenatchee community," said Sheppard, "for making our dream of a new school a reality!”

Lincoln Elementary School entrance.

Pioneer Middle School

Apple Bowl renovation is complete. New turf is and new lights are installed, along with new grandstands, all in time for the first football game. Also, the press box was re-roofed and modernized with fiber cable. New data will be coming under fiber conduit under turf to north press boxes. Locker room renovation will be finished in October. A security gate will be erected between the gym and main classrooms. It’s currently being fabricated offsite and is expected to be installed by the end of October.

Pioneer students and faculty try out the new Apple Bowl turf.

Castlerock Special Education and Early Childhood Learning Center

The Castlerock building, next to Washington Elementary, is home to special education and early childhood development. The building underwent a two-year modernization in 2015 and 2016. Classes continued in the building during construction. The building was modernized to fully meet current building codes. The mechanical and electrical systems were replaced. The roofing, insulation, doors and windows were all replaced. Additional classroom space was added and all the classrooms were brought up to 21st Century Learning standards, including state-of-the-art technology. Administrative offices were moved and modernized. Office space was added for special education therapists and psychologists. “The new building is beautiful,” says Trisha Craig, Director of Special Education. “It is great to have a facility dedicated to the needs of our pre-school students.”