Walking through the halls the first few weeks of school, you might have noticed some new changes that have occurred around La Salle over the summer — some are easier to notice than others, but taken together, they represent a number of significant campus upgrades.

“The primary motive behind all [these] capital projects is to ensure that La Salle provides a safe and secure campus that is highly functional and relevant to the needs of today’s students and teachers,” said Mr. Matthew Winningham, La Salle’s Vice President of Finance and Operations. “Other projects provide us an opportunity to significantly advance the learning experience for our students.”

In Mr. Winningham’s words, here is a list of all of the major projects that were completed over the summer and that are still in progress:

La Salle Innovation & Design Lab:  The old PC lab (room 217) has been converted into a Makerspace where students can apply their learning through experimentation and creativity. In order to make room for the design lab, La Salle moved the function of the old PC lab into room 214 (the old STEM classroom) and moved the STEM classroom/lab for technology classes into room 134.

Locker Room Upgrades: La Salle is currently completing phase one of a two phase upgrade process. The current phase calls for upgrading the coaching offices and increasing wireless connectivity in both locker rooms. In addition, a second team room has been added in the girls locker room that will host the girls soccer and softball teams.  The girls locker room also received upgraded lighting and new paint where it was most needed.

Fundraising efforts are currently underway to fund the second phase of upgrades which is anticipated to be completed next summer. La Salle is currently working with an architect to develop plans that help increase the functionality and usability of the locker rooms for the students.

Counseling Center Remodel: The La Salle Counseling Center is undergoing a remodel that will open up the central space to become a more flexible meeting and social space to accommodate college visits, student meetings, and other social activities. The project has experienced some delays but is looking to be completed by late October.

Technology Upgrades: Each summer, La Salle invests in new and/or replacement technology needs to support and facilitate their vision for 21st century learning. This summer, La Salle purchased 31 new STEM Lab computers, 26 new teacher computers, 50 new teacher iPads, and 15 new wireless access points that provide wireless capability in all of the classrooms. In addition, La Salle installed fiber connectivity in the gymnasium/locker room building that will allow for expanded connectivity in this area. To address the constant threat of cybersecurity breaches, La Salle is also replacing the network firewall and email exchange server.

Other projects of interest and their timelines:

-New gym sound system to improve sound quality, accessibility, and ease of use (Completed)

-New carpet in the band room (Completed)

-Converted the old Counseling Center (room 143) into a new classroom (Completed)

-New Gym Wall Pads (Estimated Completion:  Early October)

-Heating the main hallway! (Estimated Completion:  Late October)

-Theater Sound System (TBD)

-Security Camera Upgrades (TBD)