Progress Note #1
January 22, 2018
CONSTRUCTION OF THIS EXCITING, NEW FACILITY TO BEGIN SOON!
After many months of planning, we are thrilled to report that in a few weeks Benchmark School will begin construction of a state-of-the art learning facility for all of our students - The BENCHMARK INNOVATION SPACE.

WHY IS BENCHMARK BUILDING AN INNOVATION SPACE?

  • The Benchmark School Innovation Space presents an exciting opportunity to expand our mission to help bright students who have yet to reach their academic potential become confident and strategic thinkers, learners, and problem solvers. The facility will provide an ideal environment for the creative, hands-on, inquiry-based activities that will tap abilities other than traditional academic tasks, encouraging our students to realize new strengths and unlock their potential. 

  • Equipped with materials and tools ranging from duct tape to robots to 3-D printers, the Innovation Space will inspire students to take the design thinking process that occurs in the classroom into real-world applications. From creating basic items such as iPhone covers to more complex ones such as musical instruments, the Innovation Space will be a laboratory for practicing critical thinking, collaboration, creative problem solving, and reflection.

  • The stunning design of the Innovation Space is the work of two world-renowned architects, Bill and Chris Sharples of SHoP Architects, who are Benchmark alumni. In appreciation for the positive difference that Benchmark made in their lives, they have generously donated their time and talent to designing a facility that will be a source of great pride for the school now and into the future.
THE SCOPE OF THE INNOVATION SPACE BUILDING PROJECT
The Benchmark Innovation Space will consist of two main areas, one for Lower School students and one for Middle School students.   The Lower School space (left rendering) will be located in the area that currently houses the Music Room. The Middle School space (right rendering) will be constructed  over the current music room  and in the area known as Atterbury Plaza, which is the patio between the Dorrance H. Hamilton Middle School and the A. Palmer West Performing Arts Center.

 Phase 1: February 16-28, 2018
The Innovation Space will include the area that encompasses our current Music Room. On February 16, work will begin to transform the Perot Conference Room into a bright, new Music Room. Music Teacher Laurie Veacock has been working closely with the architects to insure that the room will suit the needs of our music education program. She recently commented, "Thank you for all that you're doing to make the new Music Room a great space for the students and for me. I'm genuinely excited!"​ The new Music Room will be ready for Laurie and her students by February 28.

Phase 2: March 5-July 31, 2018
On or about March 5, construction will begin on the Lower and Middle School Innovation Spaces. It is scheduled to be completed by the end of July.

September 4, 2018
The Benchmark Innovation Space will be ready for our students by the first day of school!
SAFETY IS OUR PRIORITY
As always, the safety of our students is our highest priority. Therefore, the Board of Trustees and the leadership team have been diligent in insuring that our contractor and subcontractors adhere to the highest standards of safety when working in and around occupied buildings. Personnel hired by the general contractor and subcontractors will have the same background checks and clearances that are required of all personnel who work in schools. All workers will be required to wear identification badges and will have access only to the campus areas that are under construction.
HOW YOU CAN BE PART OF THIS EXCITING TIME IN BENCHMARK'S HISTORY
Benchmark seeks to raise $2.0 million for the Innovation Space. We ask that each member of the Benchmark community make a meaningful commitment to this project. Gifts may be made in cash, stock, or appreciated assets, and can be made over a determined pledge period. Working together we can bring our plans quickly to completion and open our new, exciting facility to all of our students. Please contact Louisa Hanshew at 610-565-3741, ext.150, to inquire further.
NEXT PROGRESS NOTE: MEET THE INNOVATION SPACE CONSTRUCTION TEAM
We look forward to sending you updates about the progress of the Benchmark Innovation Space building project. If you have questions about the project, please contact Sara Hill , Benchmark Office Manager.