Dear New Rochelle Community:
I am writing to share today’s update on the repairs of Isaac E. Young Middle School and New Rochelle High School, both of which were damaged by excessive flooding from what was Hurricane Ida.
At New Rochelle High School, contractors are providing finishing touches in all areas. Furniture was returned to the B Wing this past weekend and has been set up and cleaned. Custodial crews continue to ready the school. Faculty and staff will be allowed to access their classrooms beginning Wednesday, Oct. 27. Principal Dr. Dagoberto Artiles and his team are preparing for orientation for the ninth grade and new students on Friday, Oct. 29. More information on orientation will be provided. All students will be returning to school for in-person instruction on Monday, Nov. 1.
As reported earlier this week, we successfully secured a new home for Huguenot Academy in an exciting new partnership with Monroe College. The Academy will utilize space on Monroe’s downtown New Rochelle campus.
We also have good news to report about the athletic wing of the high school. Working closely with our contractor, we have identified a temporary ventilation system that will allow us to reoccupy this space by the end of November. This includes athletic offices, training rooms, the wrestling room, and the weight room. This does not include the pool, which still needs extensive repair to relocate and replace the mechanical systems. We do not have a timeframe for this project at this time.
At Isaac E. Young Middle School, our crews are readying the cafeteria and are finishing work on the remaining classrooms in time for our custodial staff to do additional cleaning. Two remaining rooms, the music room and weight room, will continue to undergo renovation as we redesign the space to prevent future water damage.
As I wrap up these weekly construction updates, I want to extend my deep gratitude. Thank you to the construction and demolition crews who worked around the clock through weekends and holidays to complete this project. Thank you to our school district facilities and custodial crews who went above and beyond to complete planning, design, moving furniture, and cleaning. Thank you to our community for offering opportunities to partner for our students. Thank you to our families and school community for your persistence in pushing us, and your patience, as we worked through obstacles and challenges. And finally, thank you to our faculty, staff, and students for your patience and daily reminders regarding the urgency of this effort.
Sincerely,