Comments and Recommendations on the Roosevelt Educational Specifications from: The Roosevelt S.I.T....

APPENDIX D Comments and Recommendations on the Roosevelt Educational Specifications

from: The Roosevelt School Improvement Team

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The School Improvement Team for the Roosevelt Modernization recommends that the April 2013 Educational Specification for Roosevelt be revised to provide a fuller picture of the rich high school program that will be provided in the first modernized high school in Ward 4. The following is a brief description of concerns with the April 2013 Educational Specifications Draft and recommendations for revisions and additions to this document, which DCPS needs to provide DGS as a guiding document for the design of Roosevelt High School. The comments from the SIT team are briefly summarized here and organized to align to the April 2013 Roosevelt Educational Specification, Table of Contents. Introduction…………………………………………………………………………4

Comments: The April 13, 2013 Draft Ed Spec communicates no understanding of the complexity of the current school, its role in the community, or of the ambition or vision for its future. There is no actual justification or description of scope that would in any way address the need and scale of such a major project for the District. Recommendation: Include “Introduction, Existing Facility, Project Justification and Enrollment Capacity” for Roosevelt High School and “Information on Roosevelt STAY for the Education Specification Revision” prepared through the SIT team process (attached), along with any revisions from the May 9, 2013 meeting. A fuller description of Roosevelt high schools’ programs and academic departments may be adopted and incorporated. All minutes and reports prepared by the SIT have been included as Appendix A-‐D. Some text has been incorporated into the body of the educational specification.

Proposed Capacity…………………...……………………………………………5

Comments: The April 2013 Educational Specification reduces the enrollment capacity for Roosevelt from its current capacity of 1059 to 800-‐900 day students and 600 adult STAY students, 50 fewer students than STAY’S reported enrollment in 2012-‐13. There is no rationale for the particular enrollments and no reference to population projections, capture rates, the Facility Master Plan, or other items that might inform these important numbers. Recommendations: We recommend that the educational specification drive the square footage for the modernized Roosevelt. It is a very complicated project including significant special populations and the co-‐location of the STAY program. We recommend that the architects align the building design to the program as described in the revised Education Specification. At a minimum, retain the existing space in the planning process and design to support the current capacity of Roosevelt of 1059. Alternatively, use the enrollment projections prepared by the 21st Century School Fund to design the facility for nearly 1200 students, built on assumptions defined in the enrollment projections in the attached “Introduction, Existing Facility and Project Justification and Enrollment Capacity”. The capacity for the proposed in the educational specification is for 1030.



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Overview of Planning Concepts………………………………………….………6

Comments: The current plan allows for the minimum completion of the 24 credits required for graduation and does not provide adequately for students to spend four years in high school or properly accommodate the ELL and Special Education students or the STAY program. The description on page 6 also does not state the need to prepare students for college. While it notes an academy structure of 9th and 10th graders, there is no mention of the organization in place for the upper classes. There was only the most cursory description of the Roosevelt academic, ELL, special education, CTE, and co-‐curricular programs. There was even less about the 600-‐plus student adult education STAY school. Recommendations: Include the descriptions of curriculum and programs prepared by the Roosevelt administration and staff in the revised educational specifications document. The descriptions have been included in the educational specification in the applicable sections. Recommendations: Include for the STAY program which shares the Roosevelt building the detailed “Information on Roosevelt STAY for the Revision of the Education Specification of Roosevelt HS” (attached). This includes expanded administrative space, a separate entrance, and possible addition of daytime classes for Roosevelt STAY. This paper is included as Appendix C.

Overview of Planning Concepts (continued) ………………………………………….………6

Comments: Even though Roosevelt shares a campus with MacFarland and in fact will be in MacFarland for swing space, there is no mention in the planning concepts for the re-‐use of MacFarland. Recommendations: Current enrollment gains at surrounding elementary and PS-‐8 schools clearly point to the pressing need for a middle school at MacFarland. Since Roosevelt can best serve this community if it is associated with a strong feeder middle school, we therefore strongly recommend that MacFarland be re-‐opened as the Ward 4 feeder middle school into Roosevelt. We further recommend that this proposal, which is included in the “Introduction, Existing Facility and Project Justification and Enrollment Capacity” (attached), be incorporated into the revised Educational Specification. The proposal presumes that MacFarland would be re-‐opened after the high school returns from swing space to the modernized building. The Educational Specification is DCPS’s direction to DGS and the architect. DCPS is not prepared to make this recommendation. The committee’s recommendation is included as Appendix A and the school district is aware.

Robin� 5/12/13 11:22 PMDeleted:



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Recommendations: Ensure that the Educational Specification gives guidance on the site and the swing space improvements so they are planned, designed, and constructed with the long-‐term future of MacFarland and the site in mind. Site recommendations are part of the educational specification, however, the swing space plan is being developed in a separate process.

Safety and Security ……………………………………………………………………..15

Comment: The section on security emphasizes passive concepts but does not mention metal detectors that are a feature of DCPS high school security.

Recommendation: Roosevelt students have so long used the back entrance with its cramped metal detector system that they deserve the most passive, respectful equipment possible, particular at the front door. Encasing any metal detectors that might be required into the door frames would be welcome. Security systems and procedure are prepared with DCPS Security staff and is not part of the educational specification.

Summary of Space Requirements………………………………………….…..41 Core Academic Requirements……………………………………………….……42

Comments: The current document may not encompass the need to calculate classroom space to include adequate space for electives. The four classrooms inclusive of additional and advanced foreign language may not be adequate. There is no square footage allowance for the additional storage space required to share classrooms with the STAY program. In addition, many regular classrooms will also accommodate a special education inclusion aide or co-‐teacher. Recommendations: Storage and classroom size will have to accommodate this expanded use for both classrooms and specialty spaces. We recommend a variety of classroom sizes or the opportunity to have double classrooms (divided by moveable, sound-‐absorbing partitions) as implemented at Woodson. Have the plan show the additional storage required for two teacher use of most classrooms and circulation and storage space for special education inclusion aides or co-‐teachers. Various classroom sizes are inevitable in a modernization. However, DCPS prefers that classroom be larger than 700. A larger multi-‐purpose classroom and two studio labs have been added as well. Storage for two teachers will be part of every classroom. Movable walls are requested for every academy.

Greenhouse, Garden and Pond …………………………………………….49



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Comment: Currently the greenhouse calls for lighting to support plant growth, moisture and stain-‐resistant finishes, adequate ventilation/exhaust and electrical outlets. Recommendation: The greenhouse should be accessible to all the science rooms from all floors if possible. Fixtures should be waterproof, with lighting available for day and night use, using translucent glazing and interior shading with motorized shades, and concrete or rubber mat flooring. Plant shelving, standing plant benches and storage cabinets should be of sturdy durable materials. Include a hydroponic watering system if possible. Above language added to description. Comment: There is no information in the Ed Spec on the school garden or the pond that currently are located near the greenhouse. Recommendations: The school garden and pond should be an integral part of the science curriculum, although the garden has a dual utility with Culinary Arts. Both should be visible from classrooms and accessible by the entire school community, possibly at the front of the school. The garden and pond should be part of landscaping that creates a park-‐like setting and serve as a factor in storm-‐water mitigation if possible. Individual raised garden beds should be small enough to reach into easily and should provide wheelchair access. The garden area should be able to revert to lawn if necessary rather than be built of or into concrete or pavement. A shaded outdoor classroom and gathering space should be available. Nearby storage for tools and materials is necessary and sufficient sunny space for composting is also needed. Ready access to water is crucial; access to power is a plus.

The pond should provide an environmental stewardship teaching tool, and should be of sufficient breadth and depth to support common native plants and animals. Nearby access to a hose bib is important; access to power is a plus. Done. The architect will either preserve or replace this space if it is destroyed. The above language is included in the ‘Site’ section.

Special Education Space Requirements………………………………….…...62

Comments: Roosevelt has a substantial special education component including autism, RISE, and special education. Additionally, the school may accommodate some of the students from the Sharpe Health School, which is closing. The current document does not include an adequate description of these programs or the need for some additional spaces. The autism program has been expanded to three classrooms, but the current document includes only two. Recommendations: Specify three classrooms for the expanded autism program. To have a high quality autism program, the specialized facilities of a sensory room are recommended, in addition to the quiet room currently in the document. The Life Skills space should adjoin the autism rooms. The Fitness room should be outfitted to accommodate physical therapy for



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special education and autism students. It will need reinforced beams for suspended equipment. Equipment should be able to isolate muscle use, arm only, elliptical, etc. Regular classroom size needs to be increased to allot special education inclusion teachers sufficient space to work effectively with students in regular classrooms. A third autism classroom has been added as well as a sensory room. The three autism classes should be located, to the extent feasible, with their similar grade peers (…taking into account noise levels). This may mean that they are not located adjacent to each other. The design will consider accessibility to the resource spaces – life skills, OT/PT, sensory room.

ELL Space Requirements

Comments: ELL is an important and substantial program at Roosevelt but is covered by two sentences in the Academy Structure section (p. 8). There is no program description nor do the five ELL teachers and 97 students served by them show up identified as ELL in the classroom calculation for an expanded Roosevelt. Recommendation: Consider the detailed program description supplied by the ELL staff at Roosevelt and re-‐evaluate classroom space to clearly accommodate this program. ELL teachers will work out of regular classrooms similar to those of their subject matter peers.

CTE Space Requirements

Comments: There is no detailed description of the CTE programs. The current offerings include Culinary Arts, Business, and Finance.

Recommendations: Include a full program description of the CTE programs, along with the Barbering and Cosmetology program planned for Roosevelt STAY. Job opportunities are growing for barbering and cosmetology in the nearby Virginia and Maryland suburbs. Roosevelt day students have expressed interest in the Barbering and Cosmetology program but have shown little interest in the former Hospitality Management program. The SIT sub-‐committees support the inclusion of Business, Finance, and Culinary Arts. They would also like to see additional programs such as engineering or graphic design. Culinary Arts requires daylight and the number of dining tables available at present; the chef’s office or ancillary space needs space for a specialized reference library. The business and finance area needs project space to accommodate the BUILD. The final CTE course for Roosevelt is still to be determined. DCPS CTE office has indicated a willingness to revisit the draft plan for hospitality. A multi-‐purpose project studio has been added to the specification with expanded technology and water. Additionally, a dirty lab has been added to the physics classroom to increase flexibility for project based curriculum.



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Media Center Space Requirements………………………………….…………81

Comments: Since this space currently has no staff, there is no program description. We recommend that a program description be obtained from DCPS or other DCPS high schools and included. Recommendations: The media center should contain adequate space in the soundproof production room for video production and editing as well as for other media production. There should be locked storage space in both the media center and the production room. The media center should have natural light if possible in addition to any borrowed light. It will also be used for community meeting space, so its location should be easy to follow from the main entrance and there should be ample signage. Done

Visual Arts Space Requirements………………………….…………………….92

Comments: The current Ed Spec provides for only one art room. The art teacher already teaches a full academic load. The space is inadequate to the academic plan. Recommendation: There should be at least two separate art classrooms. These rooms are also used by the STAY program and will potentially be used to a greater extent by the special populations at Roosevelt. Ensure that there is adequate storage to accommodate increased student usage and shared space. At this time it is unclear whether a second art room would be traditional arts or digital arts. For flexibility, a second multi-‐purpose studio has been added to the specification to be equippd in the future.

Performing Arts Space Requirements…………………….……………………96

Comments: Music: The rich program description provided by the music department is not yet included in the document. There should also be a description of the theatre function. Recommendations: The music area should include four to six small practice rooms, a small performing space, and a digital recording studio where 40 to 60 students can record their own compositions as well as demonstrations of their performing ability. The band room needs space for 100 students. A separate room is needed specifically for percussion rehearsals for 40 to 60 students, storage modules, and instrument repair. Separate rooms are needed as well as for a keyboard lab and a large, multi-‐purpose choral/dance area. The dance area would require a spring or Marley-‐type floor that could also be used by dancers and others for practice. An office is needed for the Music Director that is large enough to accommodate a desk, chairs for students, an acoustic piano, and storage for sheet music.



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The band room was expanded to be consistent with the design guidelines for a 1100 student school with an office. The current specifications meet the needs expressed by the band teacher for a choral/keyboard room and a larger practice room for percussion. Appropriate flooring has been requested for the dance classroom. The Auditorium is used for assemblies and for graduation. It could potentially be used as a lecture hall and for community performances, as well. Quality lighting and acoustics are also important. ADA compliance is also required. The possibility of an orchestra pit area or equivalent should be explored. The ticket booth and entrance should be kept and the historic nature of the auditorium and vestibule space should be retained. It is a majestic space. Comment: Drama Program – Roosevelt currently does not have a drama program but teachers are excited about the possibility of student theater productions in the future.

Recommendations: Roosevelt should be ready to expand into drama offerings that could advance the performing arts curriculum. A black-‐box type, smaller more informal performance space should be available in addition to the auditorium. Drama is taught only at a couple of DCPS schools and is usually through the English program. During the design process, the architect may be able to identify an area for smaller presentations. However, it will not be required.

ROTC Space Requirements……………………………………………………112

Comment: ROTC currently shares space with the weight room, which is not optimal. Recommendations: ROTC space should be unified and provide plenty of storage space for equipment and uniforms with ready access space for drilling. Done.

Physical Education Requirements…………………………………………124

Comments: The current Educational Specification does not provide an adequate program description. In addition, it does not fix the current shortcomings of the gymnasium space. Roosevelt turns away many spectators from basketball games, which creates security issues. The current square footage is insufficient to allow for two full-‐size practice courts to run horizontally. There is no provision for a weight room essential to the significant athletic program at the school. Recommendations: A full description of the physical education and athletic program should be provided, including the potential number of students participating on the sports teams and the current demand for seating. Additional square footage for the gymnasium should be added. A weight room, which will serve a different function than the fitness room, should be added. It is essential for a school with the extensive athletic program present at Roosevelt. The separate



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fitness room is identified as a benefit to the community. It will also be used as a site for physical therapy for the special education and autism programs. The pool should be readily accessible to the public and the entrance well signed. The pool should have daylight to bring it up to the standard of the Dunbar, Woodson and Wilson pools. The requirements for the PE and athletic programs are determined by DCPS curriculum and guidelines. It is expected that the gymnasium will seat the equivalent of the school’s capacity/enrollment. Because this is the modernization of an existing school, the ability to meet the guidelines will be determined during the design process. The Fitness room is also the weight room and has been expanded to serve both functions. The architect will work with the staff to determine the mix of equipment. The needs of the autism program will be met in a separate OT/PT space.

Family Support Center………………………………………………………….119

Comment: The family resource center at Roosevelt serves as a secondary welcoming point of contact for volunteers and school partners, a home-‐base for the parent group and alumni, and a resource base for Roosevelt families. It has a separate function from the New Heights program or the Day Care Center. Families need to be aware of it when they come into the building. Recommendations: Locate the Family and Community Resource Center near the main administration, counselors and social workers. It can share office space with compatible functions (it shares now with New Heights) but needs daylight and views to the corridor if possible, space for school literature and hand-‐books, and nearby access to a conference or meeting area, if that is not incorporated within the center. The day care center needs to be located where it can have a separate, exterior entrance and access to a toddler playground. Done. Comment: The day care center space, at 2,000 square feet, seems adequately sized for the approximately 15 infants and toddlers planned to be accommodated. Recommendations: The child care space needs to meet the OSSE licensing requirements, which include a direct, external entrance and playground. The playground needs to be fenced and secured, contain appropriate equipment, and have access to water, child and adult seating with a grassy area and shade available. There should be a kitchenette and a refrigerator in addition to the sink noted. A tot-‐sized bathroom is requested in addition to an adult size bathroom. Interior storage for strollers as well as for large outdoor toys is necessary. Daylight and toddler accessible views are necessary. Done. The language has been included in the description.



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Student Dining Space Requirements…………………………………………172

Comment: Roosevelt’s kitchen currently prepares food for the area elementary schools as well as its own students, but this is not noted in the Ed Spec. The number of meals to be prepared and delivered affects parking lot circulation and traffic as well as delivery traffic. Recommendation: Determine the number of meals expected to be prepared. Consider that the food preparation area might at a minimum replicate what is currently in use. The cafeteria should have natural light. There is particular concern with the acoustics in the modernized schools, where the equipment is loud enough to prevent the rooms from being an acceptable meeting space. (The cause is either the air handling system or the appliances.) Roosevelt would like this room to have these multiple uses. Students would benefit from a variety of spaces within the cafeteria, possibly with some quieter areas. Done

Health Suite …………………………………………………………………………. 154

Comment: The Ed Spec notes that Dunbar High School has a working health suite run by a contractor, but leaves hanging the question of how the space would be structured to ensure that it would be workable for an outside provider to coordinate with the needs of the Roosevelt school nurse. Recommendation: Seek out high school clinics that are functioning to determine how best to structure an effective arrangement of spaces at Roosevelt and ensure that the space can be used. Note that the clinic at Woodson is extremely cramped and not accessible after hours. These are design issues that can be addressed during concept design.

Administration Space Requirements……………………………………….137 STAY Space Requirements……………………………………………………….195 (see attached document) Appendix C: All non-‐classroom spaces requested are in the current educational specification except the student lounge. A small lounge has been added to include water and warming equipment. DCPS is reviewing the current STAY program format and may make changes in the future. The number and demographic of the students may be different. At this point in the planning process, no changes to the current format are recommended. Maintenance and Custodial Space Requirements……………………208

Comments and Recommendations on the Roosevelt Educational Specifications from: The Roosevelt S.I.T....

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