The Star Commons at Orchard Lane, sponsored by the Parent Faculty Council has undergone a massive transformation. After months of planning, work began nearly the moment students were out of the building for summer 2022!
Since then, a dedicated makerspace was added by building-out doors and walls – adding a much-desired additional learning space at Orchard Lane. Paint, flooring, and window shades were replaced and flat panels were installed. Soft seating as well as new tables and chairs have been purchased and were installed during Spring Break!
Not only has a new Mural been installed, but it was designed as part of a contest and learning opportunity for New Berlin West AP Design students (led by Mrs. De Koch)! Each student submitted a drawing in hopes of having the selected design, and since then have collaborated as a class - learning all the project-management steps from scaling up the drawings, matching colors to the furniture, working with clients, ordering supplies, and investing the time to install!
While much has been accomplished, a $50,000 goal remains to complete the project. Sponsorship opportunities remain – providing five-year naming rights for areas such as the mural wall and makerspace. In this final phase – the Foundation plans to purchase new, moveable bookcases and start an endowment fund that would earn dividends/interest for school libraries and makerspaces throughout the district.
