Come discover with us. - HESS: Planning, Design, … MidYear Brochure_Manassas Park.pdfnegotiations...
Transcript of Come discover with us. - HESS: Planning, Design, … MidYear Brochure_Manassas Park.pdfnegotiations...
Virginia Chapter
Involving the COmmunity in “it’s About the Students.”
CEFPI Virginia Chapter
Mid-Year Conference
Welcome to Manassas
Park Elementary School
D E S I G N E RS O F M A N AS SAS PA R K C IT Y S C HOO LS
200 E MARKET ST, CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA 22902PH : 434.296.5684, FX : 434.296.4496
www.vmdo.com
Virginia Chapter
804 W. Diamond Avenue, Suite 300 Gaithersburg, MD 20878T: 301.670.9000 | F: 9009 | W: hessconstruction.com
Come discover with us.
HESS Congratulates Manassas Park Elementary School
named by Mid-Atlantic Construction Best of 2009
K-12 Project of the Year
CEFPI Virginia Chap-
ter would like to ex-
tend its gratitude to
Manassas Park Elemen-
tary School for the use
of their facility.
VEFP BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Offi cers
Len Wright, President
Bill Bradley, Past President
Kathleen Langan, President-Elect
Keith Webb, Treasurer
Maureen Hannan, Secretary
Directors
Duane Harver
Scott Horan
Steve Hostetler
A.K. “Vijay” Ramnarain
Roger Richardson
State Director
John Hill
Dr. Ritchie Carroll— Dr. Ritchie Carroll is in her fourteenth
year in Manassas Park City Schools.
Since coming to Manassas Park in 1996,
she served, simultaneously, as principal
of both Independence and Manassas
Park Elementary Schools for 4.5 years,
as principal of Cougar Elementary
School for 2.5 years and is in her 7th
year as the Associate Superintendent for Administrative Services. In
Manassas Park, she is primarily involved with recruiting and retain-
ing staff , ensuring that students are transported to school safely and
effi ciently, and maintaining the phenomenal teaching and learning fa-
cilities that have received numerous state and national awards for their
architectural design. As an elementary teacher and instructional leader
for a number of years, Dr. Carroll’s true passion is teaching and is
able to share her curricular knowledge, leadership experiences, and her
particular expertise with student and adult learners in various arenas.
Ritchie Carroll is a member of several professional and civic organiza-
tions and serves on the state-wide K-12 Advisory Council in conjunc-
tion with the University of Virginia to provide professional develop-
ment opportunities for current and aspiring administrators. Dr. Carroll
is the recipient of the two prestigious Washington Post annual awards
– the Agnes Meyer Outstanding Teacher and the Distinguished Edu-
cational Leader. She believes and demonstrates that “Real leaders are
just ordinary people with extraordinary determination.” ■
S C H E D U L E O F E V E N T S Tour GuidesA special thank you to our tour guides who generously volunteered to share their insights.
L e a d i n g a t t e n d e e s t h r o u g h M a n a s s a s P a r k E l e m e n t a r y S c h o o l
11:30 ARRIVAL AND REGISTRATION
12:00 INTERACTIVE TOURS
1:00 LUNCH
1:45 PRESENTATIONS
Dr. Th omas DeBolt - Mrs. Stacey Mamon - Dr. Ritchie Carroll
Th ree educational leaders from Manassas Park will share, “Th e Manas-
sas Park Schools Story – Meeting Past, Present, and Future Challenges.”
Th is inspiring story highlights the transformation of the community
over the last 33 years, describing the eleven key components that com-
prise the heart of the Manassas Park City Schools’ story.
Ms. Victoria Bergsagel
Th e founder and director of Architects of Acheivement, Victoria Ber-
glagel will present her analysis of the synergy between learning environ-
ments, building design, and community involvement.
2:45 PANEL DISCUSSIONS
3:15 Q&A
3:30 SHUTTLE DEPARTS FOR WASHINGTON, DC
Design Professionals Educators
Mr. Jon Shealy, LEED APIntern Architect, VMDO Architects, P.C.
Dr. Thomas H. DeBoltSuperintendent, Manassas Park City Schools
Mr. Robert W. Moje, AIA, LEED APMPES Principal-in-charge; Principal, VMDO Architects, P.C.
Ms. Kelly DumermuthTeacher of 4th & 5th grade Science, Ma-nassas Park Elementary School
Mr. Wyck Knox, AIA, LEED APMPES Project Architect; Staff Architect, VMDO Architects, P.C.
Dr. Ritchie CarrollAssociate Superintendent of Adminis-trative Services, Manassas Park City Schools
Mr. Kenneth A. Thacker, AIA, LEED AP Studio Director, Associate Principal, VMDO Architects, P.C.
Mr. Bruce McDadeAssociate Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, Manassas Park City Schools
Mr. Stephen B. Davis, AIA, Leed APDirector of Sustainable Design, Associ-ate, VMDO Architects, P.C.
Mrs. Stacey MamonPrincipal, Manassas Park Elementary School
Ms. Kelly D. Callahan, AIA Staff Architect, VMDO Architects, P.C.
Mrs. Melissa PittsAssistant Principal, Manassas Park Elementary School
Ms. Rebecca Stinnett, RA, LEED AP Staff Architect, VMDO Architects, P.C.
Mr. Scott BaldwinTeacher of 4th Grade, Manassas Park Elementary School
Stacey Mamon— Stacey Mamon is in her third year as
principal of Manassas Park Elementary
School. She has been with Manassas
Park City Schools since 1998, where
she has also served as an assistant prin-
cipal for three years and a classroom
teacher in grades K, 2 and 3. In 2002,
Mrs. Mamon became Manassas Park
City Schools’ fi rst National Board certifi ed teacher. She has also been
recognized by her peers as “Educator of the Year” and as a nominee
for the Washington Post Agnes Meyer Distinguished Teacher award.
Mrs. Mamon obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Educa-
tion from Pennsylvania State University and her Master’s degree in
Administration and Supervision from George Mason University.
Under Mrs. Mamon’s leadership, Manassas Park Elementary School
has earned full state accreditation and achieved AYP under NCLB.
She played an integral role in the design and construction process of
the new, LEED gold certifi ed Manassas Park Elementary School and
successfully led the faculty, staff and students into the new facility in
April 2009. Th roughout her career in Manassas Park City Schools, she
has been involved both as a teacher and an administrator in the imple-
mentation of the parallel block schedule, the design and facilitation of
data-driven staff development and the establishment of professional
learning communities. ■
PAGE 6 CEFPI Virginia Chapter Mid-Year Conference CEFPI Virginia Chapter Mid-Year Conference PAGE 3
FEATURES
Th e Owner’s goal of the
highest possible LEED
certifi cation (the fi rst of
its kind in the jurisdiction)
and a forward-thinking,
environmental ly-con-
scious design presented
the team with additional
challenges. Th e project
required coordinated pro-
cedures and open com-
munications among the
project team, including
negotiations with City planning offi cials who were involved in project
oversight at an unprecedented level.
Th ree classroom wings organize classrooms on an east-west axis, maxi-
mizing opportunities for natural day lighting. Copious windows off er
views to the adjacent forest. Where windows or clerestories would be
ineff ective, supplemental daylight is delivered through roof-mounted
“solar tubes”; many spaces are routinely lit purely with indirect sun-
light. Wood slat ceilings supplement more ubiquitous acoustical tile
for a custom feel and a refl ection of the woods outside. Th e building
utilizes a steel frame for virtually unlimited freedom of interior parti-
tion layout.
Dr. Thomas DeBolt— Dr. Th omas DeBolt is in his fourteenth
year as Superintendent of Manassas Park
City Schools and prior to this, served as
a high school principal for 23 years. In
Manassas Park, he is very involved in
helping this rapidly growing school sys-
tem achieve sustained student and school
division success. Th e fact that the Ma-
nassas Park City Schools are exemplary in numerous ways is certainly a
tribute to Dr. DeBolt’s fourteen years of leadership as Superintendent.
Dr. DeBolt and his school division have developed outstanding pro-
grams and initiatives in the following areas: vision and planning, stu-
dent achievement, curriculum/instruction, staff development, technol-
ogy, school design and construction, fi scal resource enhancement, and
school-community relations. Under Dr. DeBolt’s leadership, Manas-
sas Park City Schools has constructed four world-class facilities – Ma-
nassas Park High School opened in 1998, Cougar Elementary School
opened in 2001, Manassas Park Middle School opened in 2006, and
the new Manassas Park Elementary School opened in April 2009. To
date, Manassas Park City Schools buildings have received thirteen state
and national awards for architectural excellence. In March of 2008 Dr.
DeBolt was awarded the Virginia Education Facility Planners – Vir-
ginia Planner of the Year Award and in 2009 he received the Council
of Education Facility Planners Southeast Region – Th omas Morgan
Planner of the Year Award. Recently, the Virginia State Board of Edu-
cation honored MPCS as one of only four school districts of the 134
in Virginia to earn full accreditation for each of its schools. MPCS and
also received division-wide accreditation from SACS CASI. MPCS
is only one of fourteen school divisions to earn the rare distinction of
having each of its schools and the school division achieve AYP under
NCLB. Th e signifi cant improvement of MPCS, and the work of Dr.
DeBolt and many others during the last ten years, is the story told by
UVA Professor, Dr. Daniel Duke in his recently published book, Th e
Little School System that Could, State University of New York 2008.
In 1999 Dr. DeBolt was honored by the Virginia Department of Edu-
cation with the Region IV Technology Leadership Award. In 1995
he was honored as a “Distinguished Alumnus of Eureka College” and
inducted into the Bloom High School Hall of Fame. Th omas DeBolt
has authored numerous articles and textbooks on social studies educa-
tion and successful school administration. He has played an active role
in evaluating school programs across the state and nation. He is re-
garded as a people motivator, and is frequently called upon to conduct
seminars and workshops, and deliver motivational talks to educators,
business leaders and students. ■
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Th e City of Manassas Park, Virginia ambitiously expanded their ex-
isting lower elementary school campus. A new 10,500 gsf Pre-Kin-
dergarten serves 70 students, including special needs individuals. Th e
121,000 gsf Upper School houses up to 875 3rd, 4th and 5th grade
students. Th e project unites the existing lower school and historic
Camp Carondeiet via two new buildings that weave together existing
resources. Th e Pre-K spaces are sized for 4 and 5 year olds, including
a 4 foot high “entrance door” and window reading nooks oriented to
the adjacent Camp. Th e Camp is fully woven into the Upper School’s
architectural layout, maximizing the educational and recreational op-
portunities thereby engaging the community into the educational
components of the building.
Each room name has been themed after a local animal or plant. Th e
three academic “houses” are articulated as Summer, Fall or Spring via
room signage, way fi nding techniques and color schemes. Th e hall-
ways of each academic house are lined with a random pattern of clear
fi nish Poplar, Cherry, Ash, Maple, Red Oak and White Oak vertical
planks mixed with full length mirrors – giving the student the eff ect of
walking in the woods.
Innovative teaching techniques combine with a sustainable building
to provide opportunities not found in traditional school construction.
Spaces are tailored to accommodate the innovative “parallel block” aca-
demic system used by Manassas Park. All students receive large and
small group instruction in language, arts, and math, while
full time specialists teach science and social studies.
Rather than separating the 3rd, 4th and 5th graders into
the three “houses” of the building, each student is assigned
to a house for three years. Th is allows a smaller number
of teachers to build a multi-year relationship with a small
number of students.
Teaching extends outdoors with two courtyards. Ramp
access allows the top of the cistern to double as an out-
door classroom equipped with a colorful rain gauge and
large scale graphics explaining the hydrologic system and
the impact of rainwater harvesting. ■
■ A consolidated campus uniting Manassas Park Elementary School
with Cougar Elementary School maximizes shared resources.
■ Professional spaces bring educators together during a common
planning time to collaborate and share best teaching practices.
■ Each room is themed after a local animal or plant with ground
dwelling creatures on the fi rst fl oor, mid-canopy fl ora on the
second fl oor, and treetop/sky inhabitants on the third fl oor. Th is
feature increases students’ knowledge of the fl ora and fauna com-
monly found in Virginia.
■ Age appropriate signage illustrates the function and benefi ts of
the school’s ground source heat pump and rainwater harvesting
systems.
■ Instead of separating the 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders into the three
‘houses’ of the building, each student is assigned to a house for the
full three years. Th is allows a smaller number of teachers to build
a multi-year relationship with a smaller number of students. ■
BIOGRAPHIES OF SPEAKERS
Victoria Bergsagel— Victoria Bergsagel is passionate about
designing schools where ALL students
achieve. She founded and directs Ar-
chitects of Achievement, a network that
helps communities across the country
integrate the work of facility design
into school reform. Harvard-educated,
Victoria has been a high school teach-
er, counselor, principal, district administrator, adjunct professor, and
consultant to Microsoft on the implementation of laptop learning in
schools. As the Director of Educational Partnerships at Talaris Brain
Research Institute, she worked with an interdisciplinary team to con-
duct, integrate, and interpret some of the world’s leading brain research.
She now serves as a consultant, featured speaker, and design jurist for
clients ranging from school districts to national architectural organiza-
tions to education departments in the U.S. and abroad. Victoria sits on
the Board of Trustees for the Council of Educational Facilities Plan-
ners International Foundation & Charitable Trust and is the chair of
their International Research Committee. Victoria was recently named
to the League of Extraordinary School Designers. One of fi ve leaders
chosen by the American Institute of Architects Committee on Archi-
tecture for Education, she was the only educator selected for the honor
among a fi eld of architects. ■
On the exterior, local red brick, painted metal siding, and aluminum
storefront windows complement the existing Cougar Elementary ma-
terials palette. External sunshades provide strategically placed shade
on classroom windows as well as visual interest on the facades.
A custom designed room signage package, along with imprinted leaf
prints and animal tracks in the ground fl oor’s colored concrete call
attention to the camp’s fl ora and fauna and prove that learning oppor-
tunities can be found where one least expects them. Age-appropriate
signage illustrates the function and benefi ts of the school’s ground
source heat pump and rainwater harvesting systems. ■
PAGE 4 CEFPI Virginia Chapter Mid-Year Conference CEFPI Virginia Chapter Mid-Year Conference PAGE 5
CHALLENGES
Th e building of a new elementary school within the
confi nes of an existing, fully operational school campus
was an enormous challenge that the design and con-
struction team overcame with thoughtful planning and
clear documentation. One diffi cult challenge was the
necessity of completing the majority of the infrastruc-
ture site work in only seven weeks during the sum-
mer of 2007. Th e parking lots and the entrance road
into the existing Cougar Elementary School had to be
demolished and rebuilt to provide space for the con-
struction of the pre-k building and the new Manassas
Park Elementary School. Th e operation and opening
of Cougar Elementary depended upon the completion of
this critical site work. Another challenge the project faced was the ero-
sion control of water runoff from the geo-thermal well drilling. Both
the site work completion and erosion control measures were success-
fully undertaken and accomplished.
Th e location of the school adjacent to the historic woodland enhanced
the school’s sense of connectedness to the natural world but present-
ed a huge challenge to the building team. A sophisticated landscape
package extended the learning environment throughout the campus,
and right to the edge of existing buildings on site. A fast-tracked
construction schedule allowed the existing school to maintain uninter-
rupted operations throughout the school year. ■
SUSTAINABLE DESIGN AND CON-STRUCTION
SLOPED CEILINGSTh e color white refl ects lightwaves. By sloping the
ceiling to slightly face the windows, the white pan-
els can refl ect more natural daylight and distribute it
through the room as ambient light. In addition, the
ceiling material absorbs sound waves which helps keep
the classroom from getting too noisy.
DAYLIGHT HARVESTINGDuring the daytime, rooms and hallways are lit natu-
rally by solar tube skylights. Each tube collects sun-
light through a small dome on the roof and then
refl ects the natural light down into the room.
AUTOMATIC LIGHT CONTROLSTh e light fi xtures in the classrooms have built-in
photosensors. Th ese sensors constantly measure
the light levels in the room and automatically
dim each fi xture to provide the right amount of
light without using excess electricity. Th ere is
also an occupancy sensor which turns off all the
lights when the room is unoccupied.
NATURAL VENTILATIONEvery classroom has windows that can be opened. When the outdoor
temperature and humidity are just right, a green light in each hallway
will turn on. Th is means each classroom’s heat pump has turned off to
save energy, making it a great time to open the windows and get fresh
air from outside.
LIGHT LOUVERS Th e top windows in all south-facing classrooms have louvers that re-
direct sunlight. Th eir mirrored slats are specially shaped to refl ect
sunlight deep into the classrooms. Th is indirect light refl ects off the
ceiling, providing illumination while preventing the glare and heat
from direct sun light.
GROUND HEAT EXCHANGEEach classroom has its own ground water heat pump located in the
mechanical space on the roof. Th e room’s temperature and humidity
are constantly measured so that warm or cool air is supplied only when
needed.
RAINWATER REUSERainwater from the roof is collected and stored in the
school’s cistern. Only non-potable water is used by the
sprinklers. ■
INNOVATIVE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
■ Teachers employ a wide variety of teaching and learning strategies
in all indoor and outdoor learning spaces which feature auditory
privacy and visual openness.
■ Spaces are tailored to accommodate the innovative block
schedule.
■ All students receive large and small group instruction in language
arts and math, while full-time specialists teach science and social
studies.
■ Small group instruction is targeted at specifi c skill levels, while
large group instruction allows for guided practice, discussion and
group projects.
■ By providing unique real-world educational opportunities, the
building serves as a teaching tool, highlighting important features
of science, math, and the environment.
■ Teaching extends outdoors with two cistern-irrigated courtyards
planted with indigenous ferns and woodland fl ora.
■ A terraced outdoor classroom demonstrates bio-retention tech-
niques and is equipped with a colorful rain gauge and large scale
graphics explaining the hydrologic system and the impact of rain-
water harvesting.
On the exterior, local red brick, painted metal siding, and aluminum
storefront windows complement the existing Cougar Elementary ma-
terials palette. External sunshades provide strategically placed shade
on classroom windows as well as visual interest on the facades.
A custom designed room signage package, along with imprinted leaf
prints and animal tracks in the ground fl oor’s colored concrete call
attention to the camp’s fl ora and fauna and prove that learning oppor-
tunities can be found where one least expects them. Age-appropriate
signage illustrates the function and benefi ts of the school’s ground
source heat pump and rainwater harvesting systems. ■
PAGE 4 CEFPI Virginia Chapter Mid-Year Conference CEFPI Virginia Chapter Mid-Year Conference PAGE 5
CHALLENGES
Th e building of a new elementary school within the
confi nes of an existing, fully operational school campus
was an enormous challenge that the design and con-
struction team overcame with thoughtful planning and
clear documentation. One diffi cult challenge was the
necessity of completing the majority of the infrastruc-
ture site work in only seven weeks during the sum-
mer of 2007. Th e parking lots and the entrance road
into the existing Cougar Elementary School had to be
demolished and rebuilt to provide space for the con-
struction of the pre-k building and the new Manassas
Park Elementary School. Th e operation and opening
of Cougar Elementary depended upon the completion of
this critical site work. Another challenge the project faced was the ero-
sion control of water runoff from the geo-thermal well drilling. Both
the site work completion and erosion control measures were success-
fully undertaken and accomplished.
Th e location of the school adjacent to the historic woodland enhanced
the school’s sense of connectedness to the natural world but present-
ed a huge challenge to the building team. A sophisticated landscape
package extended the learning environment throughout the campus,
and right to the edge of existing buildings on site. A fast-tracked
construction schedule allowed the existing school to maintain uninter-
rupted operations throughout the school year. ■
SUSTAINABLE DESIGN AND CON-STRUCTION
SLOPED CEILINGSTh e color white refl ects lightwaves. By sloping the
ceiling to slightly face the windows, the white pan-
els can refl ect more natural daylight and distribute it
through the room as ambient light. In addition, the
ceiling material absorbs sound waves which helps keep
the classroom from getting too noisy.
DAYLIGHT HARVESTINGDuring the daytime, rooms and hallways are lit natu-
rally by solar tube skylights. Each tube collects sun-
light through a small dome on the roof and then
refl ects the natural light down into the room.
AUTOMATIC LIGHT CONTROLSTh e light fi xtures in the classrooms have built-in
photosensors. Th ese sensors constantly measure
the light levels in the room and automatically
dim each fi xture to provide the right amount of
light without using excess electricity. Th ere is
also an occupancy sensor which turns off all the
lights when the room is unoccupied.
NATURAL VENTILATIONEvery classroom has windows that can be opened. When the outdoor
temperature and humidity are just right, a green light in each hallway
will turn on. Th is means each classroom’s heat pump has turned off to
save energy, making it a great time to open the windows and get fresh
air from outside.
LIGHT LOUVERS Th e top windows in all south-facing classrooms have louvers that re-
direct sunlight. Th eir mirrored slats are specially shaped to refl ect
sunlight deep into the classrooms. Th is indirect light refl ects off the
ceiling, providing illumination while preventing the glare and heat
from direct sun light.
GROUND HEAT EXCHANGEEach classroom has its own ground water heat pump located in the
mechanical space on the roof. Th e room’s temperature and humidity
are constantly measured so that warm or cool air is supplied only when
needed.
RAINWATER REUSERainwater from the roof is collected and stored in the
school’s cistern. Only non-potable water is used by the
sprinklers. ■
INNOVATIVE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
■ Teachers employ a wide variety of teaching and learning strategies
in all indoor and outdoor learning spaces which feature auditory
privacy and visual openness.
■ Spaces are tailored to accommodate the innovative block
schedule.
■ All students receive large and small group instruction in language
arts and math, while full-time specialists teach science and social
studies.
■ Small group instruction is targeted at specifi c skill levels, while
large group instruction allows for guided practice, discussion and
group projects.
■ By providing unique real-world educational opportunities, the
building serves as a teaching tool, highlighting important features
of science, math, and the environment.
■ Teaching extends outdoors with two cistern-irrigated courtyards
planted with indigenous ferns and woodland fl ora.
■ A terraced outdoor classroom demonstrates bio-retention tech-
niques and is equipped with a colorful rain gauge and large scale
graphics explaining the hydrologic system and the impact of rain-
water harvesting.
PAGE 6 CEFPI Virginia Chapter Mid-Year Conference CEFPI Virginia Chapter Mid-Year Conference PAGE 3
FEATURES
Th e Owner’s goal of the
highest possible LEED
certifi cation (the fi rst of
its kind in the jurisdiction)
and a forward-thinking,
environmental ly-con-
scious design presented
the team with additional
challenges. Th e project
required coordinated pro-
cedures and open com-
munications among the
project team, including
negotiations with City planning offi cials who were involved in project
oversight at an unprecedented level.
Th ree classroom wings organize classrooms on an east-west axis, maxi-
mizing opportunities for natural day lighting. Copious windows off er
views to the adjacent forest. Where windows or clerestories would be
ineff ective, supplemental daylight is delivered through roof-mounted
“solar tubes”; many spaces are routinely lit purely with indirect sun-
light. Wood slat ceilings supplement more ubiquitous acoustical tile
for a custom feel and a refl ection of the woods outside. Th e building
utilizes a steel frame for virtually unlimited freedom of interior parti-
tion layout.
Dr. Thomas DeBolt— Dr. Th omas DeBolt is in his fourteenth
year as Superintendent of Manassas Park
City Schools and prior to this, served as
a high school principal for 23 years. In
Manassas Park, he is very involved in
helping this rapidly growing school sys-
tem achieve sustained student and school
division success. Th e fact that the Ma-
nassas Park City Schools are exemplary in numerous ways is certainly a
tribute to Dr. DeBolt’s fourteen years of leadership as Superintendent.
Dr. DeBolt and his school division have developed outstanding pro-
grams and initiatives in the following areas: vision and planning, stu-
dent achievement, curriculum/instruction, staff development, technol-
ogy, school design and construction, fi scal resource enhancement, and
school-community relations. Under Dr. DeBolt’s leadership, Manas-
sas Park City Schools has constructed four world-class facilities – Ma-
nassas Park High School opened in 1998, Cougar Elementary School
opened in 2001, Manassas Park Middle School opened in 2006, and
the new Manassas Park Elementary School opened in April 2009. To
date, Manassas Park City Schools buildings have received thirteen state
and national awards for architectural excellence. In March of 2008 Dr.
DeBolt was awarded the Virginia Education Facility Planners – Vir-
ginia Planner of the Year Award and in 2009 he received the Council
of Education Facility Planners Southeast Region – Th omas Morgan
Planner of the Year Award. Recently, the Virginia State Board of Edu-
cation honored MPCS as one of only four school districts of the 134
in Virginia to earn full accreditation for each of its schools. MPCS and
also received division-wide accreditation from SACS CASI. MPCS
is only one of fourteen school divisions to earn the rare distinction of
having each of its schools and the school division achieve AYP under
NCLB. Th e signifi cant improvement of MPCS, and the work of Dr.
DeBolt and many others during the last ten years, is the story told by
UVA Professor, Dr. Daniel Duke in his recently published book, Th e
Little School System that Could, State University of New York 2008.
In 1999 Dr. DeBolt was honored by the Virginia Department of Edu-
cation with the Region IV Technology Leadership Award. In 1995
he was honored as a “Distinguished Alumnus of Eureka College” and
inducted into the Bloom High School Hall of Fame. Th omas DeBolt
has authored numerous articles and textbooks on social studies educa-
tion and successful school administration. He has played an active role
in evaluating school programs across the state and nation. He is re-
garded as a people motivator, and is frequently called upon to conduct
seminars and workshops, and deliver motivational talks to educators,
business leaders and students. ■
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Th e City of Manassas Park, Virginia ambitiously expanded their ex-
isting lower elementary school campus. A new 10,500 gsf Pre-Kin-
dergarten serves 70 students, including special needs individuals. Th e
121,000 gsf Upper School houses up to 875 3rd, 4th and 5th grade
students. Th e project unites the existing lower school and historic
Camp Carondeiet via two new buildings that weave together existing
resources. Th e Pre-K spaces are sized for 4 and 5 year olds, including
a 4 foot high “entrance door” and window reading nooks oriented to
the adjacent Camp. Th e Camp is fully woven into the Upper School’s
architectural layout, maximizing the educational and recreational op-
portunities thereby engaging the community into the educational
components of the building.
Each room name has been themed after a local animal or plant. Th e
three academic “houses” are articulated as Summer, Fall or Spring via
room signage, way fi nding techniques and color schemes. Th e hall-
ways of each academic house are lined with a random pattern of clear
fi nish Poplar, Cherry, Ash, Maple, Red Oak and White Oak vertical
planks mixed with full length mirrors – giving the student the eff ect of
walking in the woods.
Innovative teaching techniques combine with a sustainable building
to provide opportunities not found in traditional school construction.
Spaces are tailored to accommodate the innovative “parallel block” aca-
demic system used by Manassas Park. All students receive large and
small group instruction in language, arts, and math, while
full time specialists teach science and social studies.
Rather than separating the 3rd, 4th and 5th graders into
the three “houses” of the building, each student is assigned
to a house for three years. Th is allows a smaller number
of teachers to build a multi-year relationship with a small
number of students.
Teaching extends outdoors with two courtyards. Ramp
access allows the top of the cistern to double as an out-
door classroom equipped with a colorful rain gauge and
large scale graphics explaining the hydrologic system and
the impact of rainwater harvesting. ■
■ A consolidated campus uniting Manassas Park Elementary School
with Cougar Elementary School maximizes shared resources.
■ Professional spaces bring educators together during a common
planning time to collaborate and share best teaching practices.
■ Each room is themed after a local animal or plant with ground
dwelling creatures on the fi rst fl oor, mid-canopy fl ora on the
second fl oor, and treetop/sky inhabitants on the third fl oor. Th is
feature increases students’ knowledge of the fl ora and fauna com-
monly found in Virginia.
■ Age appropriate signage illustrates the function and benefi ts of
the school’s ground source heat pump and rainwater harvesting
systems.
■ Instead of separating the 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders into the three
‘houses’ of the building, each student is assigned to a house for the
full three years. Th is allows a smaller number of teachers to build
a multi-year relationship with a smaller number of students. ■
BIOGRAPHIES OF SPEAKERS
Victoria Bergsagel— Victoria Bergsagel is passionate about
designing schools where ALL students
achieve. She founded and directs Ar-
chitects of Achievement, a network that
helps communities across the country
integrate the work of facility design
into school reform. Harvard-educated,
Victoria has been a high school teach-
er, counselor, principal, district administrator, adjunct professor, and
consultant to Microsoft on the implementation of laptop learning in
schools. As the Director of Educational Partnerships at Talaris Brain
Research Institute, she worked with an interdisciplinary team to con-
duct, integrate, and interpret some of the world’s leading brain research.
She now serves as a consultant, featured speaker, and design jurist for
clients ranging from school districts to national architectural organiza-
tions to education departments in the U.S. and abroad. Victoria sits on
the Board of Trustees for the Council of Educational Facilities Plan-
ners International Foundation & Charitable Trust and is the chair of
their International Research Committee. Victoria was recently named
to the League of Extraordinary School Designers. One of fi ve leaders
chosen by the American Institute of Architects Committee on Archi-
tecture for Education, she was the only educator selected for the honor
among a fi eld of architects. ■
Dr. Ritchie Carroll— Dr. Ritchie Carroll is in her fourteenth
year in Manassas Park City Schools.
Since coming to Manassas Park in 1996,
she served, simultaneously, as principal
of both Independence and Manassas
Park Elementary Schools for 4.5 years,
as principal of Cougar Elementary
School for 2.5 years and is in her 7th
year as the Associate Superintendent for Administrative Services. In
Manassas Park, she is primarily involved with recruiting and retain-
ing staff , ensuring that students are transported to school safely and
effi ciently, and maintaining the phenomenal teaching and learning fa-
cilities that have received numerous state and national awards for their
architectural design. As an elementary teacher and instructional leader
for a number of years, Dr. Carroll’s true passion is teaching and is
able to share her curricular knowledge, leadership experiences, and her
particular expertise with student and adult learners in various arenas.
Ritchie Carroll is a member of several professional and civic organiza-
tions and serves on the state-wide K-12 Advisory Council in conjunc-
tion with the University of Virginia to provide professional develop-
ment opportunities for current and aspiring administrators. Dr. Carroll
is the recipient of the two prestigious Washington Post annual awards
– the Agnes Meyer Outstanding Teacher and the Distinguished Edu-
cational Leader. She believes and demonstrates that “Real leaders are
just ordinary people with extraordinary determination.” ■
S C H E D U L E O F E V E N T S Tour GuidesA special thank you to our tour guides who generously volunteered to share their insights.
L e a d i n g a t t e n d e e s t h r o u g h M a n a s s a s P a r k E l e m e n t a r y S c h o o l
11:30 ARRIVAL AND REGISTRATION
12:00 INTERACTIVE TOURS
1:00 LUNCH
1:45 PRESENTATIONS
Dr. Th omas DeBolt - Mrs. Stacey Mamon - Dr. Ritchie Carroll
Th ree educational leaders from Manassas Park will share, “Th e Manas-
sas Park Schools Story – Meeting Past, Present, and Future Challenges.”
Th is inspiring story highlights the transformation of the community
over the last 33 years, describing the eleven key components that com-
prise the heart of the Manassas Park City Schools’ story.
Ms. Victoria Bergsagel
Th e founder and director of Architects of Acheivement, Victoria Ber-
glagel will present her analysis of the synergy between learning environ-
ments, building design, and community involvement.
2:45 PANEL DISCUSSIONS
3:15 Q&A
3:30 SHUTTLE DEPARTS FOR WASHINGTON, DC
Design Professionals Educators
Mr. Jon Shealy, LEED APIntern Architect, VMDO Architects, P.C.
Dr. Thomas H. DeBoltSuperintendent, Manassas Park City Schools
Mr. Robert W. Moje, AIA, LEED APMPES Principal-in-charge; Principal, VMDO Architects, P.C.
Ms. Kelly DumermuthTeacher of 4th & 5th grade Science, Ma-nassas Park Elementary School
Mr. Wyck Knox, AIA, LEED APMPES Project Architect; Staff Architect, VMDO Architects, P.C.
Dr. Ritchie CarrollAssociate Superintendent of Adminis-trative Services, Manassas Park City Schools
Mr. Kenneth A. Thacker, AIA, LEED AP Studio Director, Associate Principal, VMDO Architects, P.C.
Mr. Bruce McDadeAssociate Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, Manassas Park City Schools
Mr. Stephen B. Davis, AIA, Leed APDirector of Sustainable Design, Associ-ate, VMDO Architects, P.C.
Mrs. Stacey MamonPrincipal, Manassas Park Elementary School
Ms. Kelly D. Callahan, AIA Staff Architect, VMDO Architects, P.C.
Mrs. Melissa PittsAssistant Principal, Manassas Park Elementary School
Ms. Rebecca Stinnett, RA, LEED AP Staff Architect, VMDO Architects, P.C.
Mr. Scott BaldwinTeacher of 4th Grade, Manassas Park Elementary School
Stacey Mamon— Stacey Mamon is in her third year as
principal of Manassas Park Elementary
School. She has been with Manassas
Park City Schools since 1998, where
she has also served as an assistant prin-
cipal for three years and a classroom
teacher in grades K, 2 and 3. In 2002,
Mrs. Mamon became Manassas Park
City Schools’ fi rst National Board certifi ed teacher. She has also been
recognized by her peers as “Educator of the Year” and as a nominee
for the Washington Post Agnes Meyer Distinguished Teacher award.
Mrs. Mamon obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Educa-
tion from Pennsylvania State University and her Master’s degree in
Administration and Supervision from George Mason University.
Under Mrs. Mamon’s leadership, Manassas Park Elementary School
has earned full state accreditation and achieved AYP under NCLB.
She played an integral role in the design and construction process of
the new, LEED gold certifi ed Manassas Park Elementary School and
successfully led the faculty, staff and students into the new facility in
April 2009. Th roughout her career in Manassas Park City Schools, she
has been involved both as a teacher and an administrator in the imple-
mentation of the parallel block schedule, the design and facilitation of
data-driven staff development and the establishment of professional
learning communities. ■
Virginia Chapter
Involving the COmmunity in “it’s About the Students.”
CEFPI Virginia Chapter
Mid-Year Conference
Welcome to Manassas
Park Elementary School
D E S I G N E RS O F M A N AS SAS PA R K C IT Y S C HOO LS
200 E MARKET ST, CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA 22902PH : 434.296.5684, FX : 434.296.4496
www.vmdo.com
Virginia Chapter
804 W. Diamond Avenue, Suite 300 Gaithersburg, MD 20878T: 301.670.9000 | F: 9009 | W: hessconstruction.com
Come discover with us.
HESS Congratulates Manassas Park Elementary School
named by Mid-Atlantic Construction Best of 2009
K-12 Project of the Year
CEFPI Virginia Chap-
ter would like to ex-
tend its gratitude to
Manassas Park Elemen-
tary School for the use
of their facility.
VEFP BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Offi cers
Len Wright, President
Bill Bradley, Past President
Kathleen Langan, President-Elect
Keith Webb, Treasurer
Maureen Hannan, Secretary
Directors
Duane Harver
Scott Horan
Steve Hostetler
A.K. “Vijay” Ramnarain
Roger Richardson
State Director
John Hill