CLAYTON – Cooper Academy students and staff were recently given an opportunity to voice their opinions on upcoming renovation projects at the school. The funds for the renovation are provided through the 2022 Bond Referendum, approved by voters back in November.
The Boomerang Design Company was hired to create the renovation design, and were excited to offer the school a chance to weigh in on some of the aesthetic elements. They created “draft boards” with detailed pictures of what some of the renovations will look like based on feedback already provided by stakeholders including the School Advisory Board, Parent Teacher Association (PTA), and School Improvement Team (SIT).
“It’s exciting having the students involved in the process, and will be even more exciting to see their faces when it comes to fruition, “ stated Cooper Academy principal Jamie Stoke. “The entire project has been exciting for the community altogether.”
Representatives from Boomerang were on hand to assist with the process. Three locations were set up in the school where the students were given information about the fun and exciting new construction that is happening at Cooper Academy. Then they explained to the students that their input was needed.
Each student was then given a colored dot sticker to place next to what they would like to see happen as part of the projects. Students then had an opportunity to select one of the following project options: STEM lab; new paint, flooring, etc. in classrooms; open play field; basketball court and hardscape play area; enclosed outdoor connector; covered outdoor learning space; larger art class and outdoor patio; and a larger music classroom.
Once the students were done placing their votes, Boomerang provided them space-themed stickers with an encouraging message for them to take home.
“This is an awesome way to include students in the decisions and give them an opportunity to tell us what they’d like to see done with this project,” said JCPS Chief of Facilities and Construction Brooks Moore.
Cooper Academy staff members have an additional set of “draft board” pictures to review over the next few weeks. Each staff member has one sticker to vote on their favorite aesthetic option for the renovation as well.
