Front Entrance at PMHS Opened

Construction Update on Bond Projects at PMHS

Mr. Michael Lynch, an independent engineer, examined and deemed that the stonework on the front of PMHS building is now secure and using the front entrance is safe. He identified some repair work, which will be completed during our masonry renovation projects. Mr. Lynch said the problem was not a result of the ongoing construction work at PMHS.

Pleased be advised that all exterior projects identified as priority level one and some of the priority level two projects will be addressed as part of the 2008 construction bond. All other external masonry projects will be taken care of as part of the district’s long-term capital maintenance program.

Here is an update on what will occur this spring as part of the bond work:

• Renovations in the PMHS Information Center continue. The Center has been sealed off from the rest of the building with workers accessing this area directly via a temporary outdoor stairway. The blue gym has been transformed into a library for the second semester. It contains books, magazines and computers so our students can continue with their research, classes and study.

• Soon you will see scaffolding go up on each of the bays around the high school and restoration of the masonry begin. As you may recall, like many stone buildings constructed during the early part of the 20^th century, PMHS consists of masonry walls with embedded steel for added structural support at the window openings. The repeated wetting of the steel, a natural occurrence due to the porous nature of the stone, has caused the steel to corrode.

• This problem is what we will begin to address this spring, starting with these three bays: on Franklin, over the former middle school entrance; off Corlies, by the entrance marked Girls; and one of the bays off Ingalls Field. Interior walls will be constructed so as to seal off this work from the main building. The loud and noisy work will take place over the break.

• The technology lab on the ground level of the annex will move into room 134 and work will begin on converting this area into the new band room. During the summer, the former band room will become the new choral room, allowing us to have an easily accessible arts wing for middle and high school students.

Thank you.

Jeannine Clark, Principal of PMHS

Joseph Longobardi, Principal of PMS