Lehigh has new state-of-the art school
By ELINOR SCRICCA
As we begin another chapter in the story of Lee County public schools, it is with great pride and enthusiasm that I tell your readers about the new facility joining our Lehigh Acres educational family.
While the old Lehigh Elementary School served the Lehigh Acres community admirably since 1959, the time had come when it needed to be replaced.
We waited a long time, and now we have a new sate-of-the-art Lehigh Elementary School.
The first thing you will notice is that four of the “old” buildings are gone – they were razed and replaced with brand new buildings. These new structures house the school’s cafeteria kitchen area, art rooms, music rooms, the administration area and a media building. In addition, a prototype PE building with a pavilion is now part of the school. All of these are welcome upgrades from the past design. The school’s remaining eight structures underwent a total remodel/ renovation.
The old design was built to accommodate 764 students, with an additional 256 students being added over the years via portables.
The new design allows for 1,034 students and has eliminated the need for portables on campus. While the new facility is a wonderful addition to the Lee County School District and more specifically to the Lehigh Acres community, it is only bricks and mortar. What happens inside the school’s walls is what really matters.
I can tell you that Principal Dwane Courtney and his staff are committed to helping every child succeed. Many staff members have dedicated the majority of their careers working at the school, all because they care about the students in the Lehigh community. Their focus is laser-like continued academic success, while concentrating on each student’s individual needs.
The new school’s features will enhance those efforts, mostly through technological advancements. Every classroom has an interactive Smart Board, which has replaced the old chalkboards that some of us remember in our days in elementary school.
The media center is much larger than before, and is stacked with the most current, high interest, age-appropriate books available. With the addition of the new PE area, we can increase opportunities for physical engagements for all of our students.
The facility is designed to be as cost-effective as possible. Lights have sensors that shut off if there is no movement in a room for more than five minutes. The air conditioning system is far more efficient than the previous one, and will cost less to operate each year. Where there is carpet, it is done in tiles, so if an area has to be replaced, it will limit the amount that needs to be pulled up.
We have worked hard to design and build the best possible replacement for Lehigh Acres Elementary, because we want this beautiful building to last as long, if not longer, than its predecessor. The school has set a standard of academic excellence over the years, with one example seen in the “A” grade it has earned the past two years.
It is clear that great things happen at Lehigh Elementary, and I am proud to say that traditions will continue for many years to come.
Elinor Scricca is a member of the Lee County School Board, representing District 5, which includes Lehigh. The school is located off of Leeland Heights Blvd. near the intersection of Richmond and East Third St.
Lehigh has new state-of-the art school
By ELINOR SCRICCA
As we begin another chapter in the story of Lee County public schools, it is with great pride and enthusiasm that I tell your readers about the new facility joining our Lehigh Acres educational family.
While the old Lehigh Elementary School served the Lehigh Acres community admirably since 1959, the time had come when it needed to be replaced.
We waited a long time, and now we have a new sate-of-the-art Lehigh Elementary School.
The first thing you will notice is that four of the “old” buildings are gone – they were razed and replaced with brand new buildings. These new structures house the school’s cafeteria kitchen area, art rooms, music rooms, the administration area and a media building. In addition, a prototype PE building with a pavilion is now part of the school. All of these are welcome upgrades from the past design. The school’s remaining eight structures underwent a total remodel/ renovation.
The old design was built to accommodate 764 students, with an additional 256 students being added over the years via portables.
The new design allows for 1,034 students and has eliminated the need for portables on campus. While the new facility is a wonderful addition to the Lee County School District and more specifically to the Lehigh Acres community, it is only bricks and mortar. What happens inside the school’s walls is what really matters.
I can tell you that Principal Dwane Courtney and his staff are committed to helping every child succeed. Many staff members have dedicated the majority of their careers working at the school, all because they care about the students in the Lehigh community. Their focus is laser-like continued academic success, while concentrating on each student’s individual needs.
The new school’s features will enhance those efforts, mostly through technological advancements. Every classroom has an interactive Smart Board, which has replaced the old chalkboards that some of us remember in our days in elementary school.
The media center is much larger than before, and is stacked with the most current, high interest, age-appropriate books available. With the addition of the new PE area, we can increase opportunities for physical engagements for all of our students.
The facility is designed to be as cost-effective as possible. Lights have sensors that shut off if there is no movement in a room for more than five minutes. The air conditioning system is far more efficient than the previous one, and will cost less to operate each year. Where there is carpet, it is done in tiles, so if an area has to be replaced, it will limit the amount that needs to be pulled up.
We have worked hard to design and build the best possible replacement for Lehigh Acres Elementary, because we want this beautiful building to last as long, if not longer, than its predecessor. The school has set a standard of academic excellence over the years, with one example seen in the “A” grade it has earned the past two years.
It is clear that great things happen at Lehigh Elementary, and I am proud to say that traditions will continue for many years to come.
Elinor Scricca is a member of the Lee County School Board, representing District 5, which includes Lehigh. The school is located off of Leeland Heights Blvd. near the intersection of Richmond and East Third St.
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