The University Laboratory School (ULS), a Hawai‘i Public Charter School, has completed phase three of its facilities improvements on the College of Education (COE) Complex. During 2014–15, the first two phases included the Multi-Purpose Building (MPB), Metcalf Field, and Building 3. Third phase projects focused on their elementary classrooms and courtyard last summer with additional projects underway.
Initial renovations included the MPB, the ULS’s most used community space. Louvered windows and screens were replaced, the interior was freshly painted, and high efficiency ceiling fans and bottle refill stations were installed. Building 3, the most used building for instruction, also received new ceiling fans, paint, and bottle refill stations. Mānoa Grounds performed improvements to Metcalf Field where students have physical education.
Elementary classrooms and the elementary courtyard were the focus of phase three. This included new ceiling fans, picnic tables, paint, and furniture. In addition to the three phases of ULS projects, there were University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa supported improvements. Air conditioning units were installed in Castle Memorial Hall to help mitigate construction noise and debris. Broken jalousies, doors, and frames were also replaced in the MPB.
The ULS aims to continue its facilities improvement projects throughout the 2016–17 school year. These include more air conditioners with photovoltaic panels, ceiling fans, classroom furniture, cafeteria furniture, and shade structures. They are also working with ULS student groups and the COE to create new learning environments, specifically to develop a model science classroom that demonstrates their commitment to excellence in science teaching and learning.
On October 29, 2016, the ULS will hold a Green Apple Day of Service, sponsored by the Hawai‘i Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council. The goal of this service project is to reestablish their garden space in front of the school office as a collaboration garden.
“We are hoping our friends, families, and community members will come help us make our garden a place of pride that unites our ULS ohana,” Principal Keoni Jeremiah said. “We envision the garden to be a whole school endeavor that benefits all members of our ohana and promotes awareness of environmental issues and cultural practices. We want it to be the focal point of our campus that connects our natural environment to the classroom.”
For information on how you can help support the ULS or to volunteer, please visit their website or call (808) 956-7833.
