Caption: This soccer field is part of the initial plans for renovation which will include a parking garage, a track around the soccer field and additional classrooms. [by Dr. Cristina Meier]
by Hydeki Yoshikawa
PACA is being renovated and with the confirmation of the school board and leadership, the students and parents in the community can now start talking about the upcoming plans for improving current infrastructure as well as new buildings to be added to the campus.
In the past month, parents of elementary and secondary students have been able to attend Round Table meetings in which the plans have been explained. The biggest message for now is that the renovation will be done in steps.
The planning steps of raising funds and getting government approval for building and improvement are always first. One of the first plans for renovation includes adding new classes and the parking lot under the current soccer field which would be elevated to a second level in order to make space for all the intended building space.
From the point of view of a high school student; renovation of the soccer field and secondary class area would impact both their academic and athletic spaces.
“I think it is very cool,” said Marianne Meikle, a ninth grade student at PACA,” but surprising, because it wasn’t really talked about throughout the year.”
For some students, the needs of everyday life take priority for what they want to see improved. In the past year, there have been unprecedented temperatures during the summer months. With warmer summer weather being predicted for this school year, the priority of staying cool in warm classrooms is becoming more of an immediate concern.
“I hope there is air-conditioning, with a good infrastructure in the classes,” said freshman Miguel Ribeiro.
Fortunately, the plan for adding air conditioning to all the classrooms and office spaces has already been discussed during the 2023-2024 school year, with a specific schedule for when each grade level would receive air conditioning.
