WESTMINSTER — Compass School's modest plan in 2010 to erect an “art yurt” was celebrated Oct. 30 in much grander fashion: school leaders and friends have taken the wraps off a $1.1 million construction project that infuses the arts throughout the school's curriculum.
According to school director Rick Gordon, the Vermont Council on the Arts had recognized Compass for its commitment to fostering the arts, and asked where they did such great work.
“The arts council inspired us to develop a dedicated space for the arts, and thus began a four-year journey to this transformative project for the school,” Gordon said.
In all, some 200 people were involved in the planning of the project, Gordon estimated. That includes folks who took up the initial designs with Compass students “and then with Keene State College's Communicorp architecture class, through the approval process from USDA Rural Development, and the support of architect Charles Michal and the contractor, Wesfield Construction,” he added.
Indeed, he said, recognizing the strength of the school's learning community, the Keene State students “pushed for a bigger vision so the facilities on the outside would reflect the quality inside.”
After surveying students and staff, the Keene students identified several major needs for the school beyond just the arts: a more inviting entry and exterior, better traffic flow and landscaping, field space for outdoor recreation, increased storage space, and improved energy efficiency.
The final project includes construction of a 900-square-foot art lab, new science lab and administrative offices, numerous small study rooms, a new library, new lighting throughout the building, a covered entryway, a sports field, and improved furnishings throughout the school.
Less visible, but perhaps more significant, according to Admissions Director Brian Whitehouse, are improvements in the educational program and weekly schedule.
The biggest changes are the addition of art, physical education, and life skills classes for grades 7-10; “quest” time for grades 11-12 to pursue personalized learning that meets competency requirements for graduation; and expanded health-related programming throughout the year.
At the opening ceremony, Wesfield President Andrew Loney thanked the Compass students and staff who “were welcoming to the workers, patient with the process, and, most impressively, willing to join in the work of building preparation and set-up to create such a beautiful learning environment.”