SSIMS Construction Progress Updates May 2024
We are excited to share the latest update on the construction at SSIMS and Sligo Creek ES. Your ongoing support and enthusiasm have been instrumental in driving this project forward. The following are the key milestones achieved in April and upcoming activities for May.
Installation of Additional Erosion & Sediment (E&S) Controls: In response to the County’s requests, in April we implemented additional E&S controls to enhance environmental protection measures on the construction site. These measures aim to minimize soil erosion and sediment runoff, preserving the integrity of surrounding ecosystems.
Installation of Building Foundations: The installation of building foundations began these past couple of weeks after further clarification from the design team and the existing school structure. This crucial step lays the groundwork for the structural integrity of the addition.
Installation of Underground Plumbing (Storm and Sanitary Lines): In April we began the installation of underground plumbing systems for both stormwater and sanitary lines. This essential infrastructure ensures proper drainage and water management, contributing to the overall functionality and sustainability of the new gymnasium and classroom addition.
Commencement of Masonry Walls: Within the next two weeks, we are scheduled to begin construction on some of the necessary masonry walls. This marks the initial step in the vertical development of the addition, taking place next to the existing school building.
As we move into the next phases of construction, we remain committed to transparency, safety, and quality in all aspects of the project. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work diligently to create a state-of-the-art learning environment for your students and community.
Stay tuned for further updates as we progress toward the completion of your new addition. Your continued support is invaluable, and we are grateful for the opportunity to build another new school addition in the community where we live and work.
SSIMS Construction Progress Updates April 2024
In March, the demolition phase wrapped up smoothly as materials were processed and removed from the site. Sediment control systems were promptly installed to maintain environmental standards. Currently, the focus is on planning the elevations for the upcoming footing and foundation work scheduled for April. Additionally, site contractors are diligently leveling the building pad in preparation for the next phase. It’s all progressing steadily as we move forward with the project.
Looking into April some smaller retaining walls will be built on the Sligo Creek side of the building and our concrete contractors will be prepping and pouring the footings and foundations for the new addition. The project's remaining work will occur during school/daytime hours. Henley will coordinate with the school schedule to minimize any noise impact on student learning.
The fourth SCIT (School Construction Impact Team) meeting was held on 3/20/24 where the above construction updates were provided. Henley will provide construction schedule updates with MCPS and upon approval will share with the SCIT committee.
We are dedicated to keeping the community in the loop every step of the way. Together, we are creating a hub for learning and growth that will benefit generations to come.
SSIMS Construction Progress Updates March 2024
The end of February marks the completion of major demolition work, but processing and hauling out of materials will continue into the beginning of March.
In February demolition work continued including joist removal, structural steel framing, concrete slab on grade removal as well as the removal of the brick facade and stage area. All debris continued to be sorted and hauled off-site. We do want to make note that there will be a little more demolition work to take place in the next phase of the project to complete SSIMS’s entry promenade in the summer of 2025. It was also noted that a parent observed dust during the day, which is believed to be the result of moving demolition debris into trucks. Henley will ensure that the demolition contractor is using water to help minimize dust moving forward. Both principals have stated that they were satisfied with the minimal disruption and noise.
Looking forward to March, construction activities will include the remaining demolition of slab and footings on the Sligo Creek Elementary school side. This month the new building pad grading, footers, and underground work will begin for the new addition. Henley’s Superintendent will also reach out to Sligo Creek’s principal to discuss the location of the school’s bike rack.
The third SCIT (School Construction Impact Team) meeting was held on 2/21/24 and it was reported that the current design meets the needs of general SSIMS programs and additional office space for external support groups has been identified.
We are committed to keeping the community informed throughout the construction process. We extend our gratitude for your patience, support, and enthusiasm during this exciting phase. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to make progress on your new addition.
SSIMS Construction Progress Updates February 2024
Interior and exterior demolition work has continued throughout January during the hours of 3:00 to 11:00 pm to not disrupt students' learning. Hauling and processing of materials will continue in February during the hours of 9:00 am – 1:00 pm.
Exterior building demolition work included building façade and wall separations, roof and joist removal, and structural steel. Interior demolition activities included selective interior wall separations.
Additional temporary walls have been built within the school for the protection of the students and staff from construction and noise and to secure the job site. There were a couple of rain incidents during January, as demolition work created some new opportunities for rainwater to enter, however, Henley worked with MCPS staff to immediately address them. The addition of these walls will also aid in the prevention of any future weather incidents within the existing school structure.
The second SCIT (School Construction Impact Team) meeting was held on 1/17/24 and it was reported that demolition work is progressing well with no interruptions to students, staff, or community members. Henley has provided a presence during SCES dismissals times to respond to any noise concerns if needed. To date, no concerns have been raised during dismissal times. We look to continue these best practices moving forward with the remainder of the demolition work.
January also saw the addition of a construction trailer/office to the site which is located within the construction fencing in the upper school parking lot.
In February we will continue with demolition work with joist removal, structural steel framing, concrete slab on grade removal, brick facade from the stage area, and shoring of the existing structure.
SSIMS Construction Progress Updates January 2024
As we begin the new year we are excited to share that construction activities resumed in December with the Noise Waiver Certificate being approved in late November.
In December, the demolition contractor re-mobilized to continue interior demolition work, and removal of concrete masonry walls during scheduled evening shifts (between 3 and 11PM) and continued with the haul-out and processing of demolition materials during day shifts using the upper parking lot (between 9 AM and 1PM). During the day shift SSIMS school visitors should use the lower parking lot, including student pickup and drop off. During the evening shift, demolition will only take place inside the secured fenced area to not interfere with SCES dismissal. SSIMS parents are encouraged to use the lower parking lot for student pickup from after school activities.
The installation of a temporary sidewalk and stairs near the SSIMS front entrance has been completed to relieve student congestion during arrival and dismissal times. Temporary roofing has also been installed on the existing school structures during construction until the new addition is tied in.
In January, demolition will proceed with the following in the old auditorium space: remaining roof, vertical and horizontal separations, the brick façade on the old stage, the building’s exterior west facade, and the removal of all remaining roof joists. Shoring of the existing structure will take place to ensure structural integrity and safety. All construction safety measures remain in place and are evaluated on a regular basis.
SSIMS Construction Progress Updates November 2023
This month's update will be brief as we are currently waiting on a noise waiver permit to proceed with the demolition of the auditorium space. The noise waiver will allow demolition to occur outside of the instructional day as well as comply with local noise ordinance regulations.
Henley met with the Department of Environmental Protection’s Compliance Officer and reviewed plans utilizing daytime hours for hauling material away and evening hours to perform building demolition work.
The estimated timeline to receive the noise waiver is 3-4 weeks. This would allow demolition to potentially start by the end of November or the first week of December.
All construction safety measures remain in place and are evaluated on a regular basis. The newly relocated site fencing along the sidewalk on Schuyler Road was adjusted to improve the perimeter construction area barrier.
Updates on the school addition project will occur at the PTSA meeting on November 14th. In addition, representatives from the Purple Line will also be attending the PTSA meeting to provide updates on the Purple Line project.
SSIMS Construction Progress Updates October 2023
As we enter the Fall season, we have the following information to share regarding the addition to SSIMS.
First, we appreciated being able to attend this year's first PTSA meeting during your back-to-school night on September 14th and would like to thank all the community members who stopped by to speak with us and ask questions regarding the project. It was great to answer your questions, share RRMM's (the architect) renderings, and witness your excitement for your new space firsthand. Should you have missed the back-to-school night, the architectural renderings are still available to view in the school’s front hallway and on our website.
Prior to the start of any portion of the construction project, Henley requires that all individuals working on the site attend a safety orientation ensuring that everyone understands Henley's standard safety requirements as well as MCPS’ security protocol. Upon completion, individuals will be issued a project-specific sticker and number to be worn on their hard hats.
Before beginning any selective demolition work, Henley's teams brought in all the necessary mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) trades to "make safe" all necessary electrical and plumbing connections. This involved the disconnecting and capping of all electrical and plumbing sources between the auditorium being taken down and the occupied school.
We have fully wrapped the construction site fencing to identify and enclose the construction areas to separate the students, staff, and community from the area of construction.
Currently, the demolition subcontractor is performing selective demolition work inside the auditorium. All work is being done by hand, and noise is being monitored to prevent student learning disruption. Constant communication is being maintained with Mr. Bilock and Ms. Nesmith, the Principals, to ensure everything remains operational for the students and staff during the school day.
Moving into October, the mass demolition of the exterior structure will begin. This work will be coordinated with school activities to limit the disturbance of the instructional day.
We will continue to post the new bus, car, and foot traffic routes to the school throughout the duration of construction.
SSIMS Construction Progress Updates
In this section on your school's website Henley Construction Company will provide updates on construction activities, including progress of work and upcoming construction activities throughout the lifespan of the project.
As an introduction, we have attached several documents providing the construction layout as to where work will be taking place and new traffic patterns.
The orange areas in the images identify construction activities that will be taking place, while the light-yellow areas identify the existing school entrances and hallways. A combination of existing walls and new wall barriers separates both schools and the construction area. Construction fencing is installed around the exterior perimeter of the construction activities.
Below are the new bus, car, and foot traffic routes to the school throughout the duration of construction.
During the months of July and August, as the project kicked off, exterior site fencing and interior construction partitions were installed. New temporary ADA -accessible ramps were built at both front entrances at SSIMS and Sligo Creek Elementary School to allow access throughout the course of construction. The existing mechanical and electrical systems in the areas to be demolished were cut and capped and made safe for demolition and future work. Abatement was completed inside and on the exterior of the Auditorium. Demolition work of areas of curbs and sidewalks and the installation of concrete handicapped parking, paving, striping, and signage at the front entrance to SSIMS.
Moving into September we will begin with the selective demolition of interior portions of the auditorium, followed by the complete demolition of the entire auditorium. All safety precautions and protocols are in place as the students, staff, and community are our first priority in an occupied school setting.