Watch Us Grow!

2012-08-09T14:12:00.000-04:00

So....the date is set! September 5th it is! The halls will finally be full of hustle and bustle as we start our new school year. In the meantime, there is still some work to be done; but much has already been accomplished since the last post. The rooms have received their final coat of paint. The floor edging (a.k.a. baseboard) is in. Cubbies and cabinets are filling up empty wall space. The water fountains are working and most of the glass is in the door windows. It's nothing short of amazing to see how far we've come! August 20th is our move-in date, so boxes are being readied and the final purge of unwanted "stuff" is taking place. Many hands make light work, so if you're interested in helping in that moving process, we'd love to have you! Until then, enjoy the last few weeks of extended summer; but be ready to hit the ground running as we open the doors of the new St. Joseph Catholic Parish School.

Sodded front lawn

Sod on the east side

Stairwell entry

Kindergarten

Sink, cabinets, closet and partial cubbie

Stairwell landing

Upstairs edging strip

Elevator's in!

2012-07-16T15:02:00.000-04:00

After a long summer break for this blogger, here's the latest look at our new school, sans the multi purpose building and thanks to a helpful photographer. As you can see, we have lights, paint, flooring, and air conditoning! And if you were in the space, you'd feel the cool air blowing for sure. Once again, each room has its own control panel, so everyone can adjust freely. The rooms alternate in coloring as does the carpet -- quite a nice break from the monotony of having the same colors in every room. The upstairs hallway is tiled and waiting for the arrival of middle school lockers, a gracious class gift from the 2011-2012 eighth grade graduates. And as you can tell, those downstairs toilets are also awaiting something-- their stalls! The tile looks pretty awesome in those bathrooms, though. As of today, the semi truck has arrived, bringing 200 cabinets. Lots of work, but it'll really look like voids are being filled once they're in. That science lab is going to also look sharp once those black lab tables are in along with the cabinets. Next time around, the multi purpose building will make an appearance. But as of right now, enjoy what we have and begin thinking about those barren hallways and classrooms soon bustling with activity as the 2012-2013 school year gets underway.

Upstairs hallway

Upstairs classroom

Downstairs ceiling

Water fountains -- main floor

Main floor bathroom

Upstairs science lab

2012-05-16T13:33:00.000-04:00

After a two week break and some monsoon rains, we're back in business. The rain sure did not hamper progress, though. It's hard to believe those of us in classrooms right now will begin the packing process. We've been given the encouragement to PURGE; but with the size of our soon to be classrooms, there's lots of space to fill. We get it, though --- a fresh start is a good thing. How excited we are about the variety of fresh starts we're about to embark on -- new classrooms, a new GYM (our first ever!), new drop-off and pick-up procedures, a new lunchroom (another first!), a new stage, a chapel, and so much more! What's equally exciting are the new fingerprints and footprints we'll be making as ALL of us fill our new school and multi purpose building with happiness, joy, learning, unity, and love. The blueprints will soon be replaced with those fingerprints and footprints. Here we come....one step closer....

Front of school

School entrance -- office to left

Downstairs hallway

Mr. Martin's office view

Mr. Martin's office

Classroom shaping up

Getting ready for paint

3rd floor view of multi purpose building

3rd floor view of the walking track -- above lunchroom

Front of multi purpose building

Stairs leading up from multi purpose building to school first floor

Multi purpose building stairs

Side view of school

2012-05-01T17:35:00.000-04:00

Another week has flown by and there's lots to show! Windows are being framed. Drywall is running rampant. And the front of the multi purpose building is getting its granite and brick. With the brick completed on the back of that building, the exterior of the entire project site is just about complete. Look back at those first blog entries and see the metamorphosis! It's pretty impressive! Step into the 2nd floor of the multi purpose building and you'll see the framing for the track turns. Soon the classrooms behind that track will begin to really take shape with the addition of drywall. Just look at the school classrooms and hallways and one really can visualize those spaces full of children going from place to place. Thanks to wonderful weather and a fast pace, there's no telling what next week will have in store for all of us. You just can't help but be excited!

Window frames on front of school

Back of multi purpose building

Upstairs classroom

Drywall nearly complete

Upstairs hallway

Downstairs hallway

Multi purpose building entrance

Turn on track

Multi purpose building view from 3rd floor

2012-04-25T14:00:00.000-04:00

It appears that the wind did not hamper construction this week. Or maybe it just pushed everyone inside since so much interior work has been accomplished. I posted a couple of cornerstone blessing pictures to start us off and then, as you will see, the tour starts in the office but moves right on upstairs. How quickly the electrical work seems to have been done considering the drywall is up in all of the upstairs classrooms and in the hallway. The track and classroom space is now well defined and if you look closely, you'll see that entry into those classrooms is through a recessed doorway, creating somewhat of an alcove. Pretty good planning for those folks who will soon be walking that track. My favorite picture this week, though, is the 3rd story view of the multi purpose building. Although the space is still quite bare, those windows really frame it. No doubt they will provide a special environment for a theatrical performance since the future stage will be positioned right below them. And oh how that light will shine down on us as we cut down the championship nets or more importantly, celebrate mass as one whole community. One step closer, indeed.

Archbishop Gregory's blessing

Cornerstone post blessing

Future office

Another office view

Drywall in upstairs classroom

Classroom wall going up

Track and classroom space

3rd floor view of multi purpose building

Upstairs hallway

2012-04-18T15:26:00.000-04:00

And so, our new building and property have been blessed. How special yesterday was as we were able to be a part of Archbishop Gregory's visit and blessing of our cornerstone. It was wonderful to see church, school, and the Athens community really come together to acknowledge such an important event in St. Joseph history. As mentioned before, another step forward has been taken. Since no one was allowed into the structure during yesterday's gathering, the pictures will speak volumes, especially the one with the drywall. Yes! The drywall will be going up soon! Talk about framing a space! Those of us who are teachers will soon be visualizing our classrooms and getting more excited about the new school year. There is truly so much to be grateful for as you see the changes that have been taking place. From duct work in the multi purpose building to the nearly completed walking track, this space will definitely touch many lives in the not too distant future.

Track above lunchroom

Track

Track view from retention pond

View of "buzz in" door frame from first floor hall

DRYWALL!

View of multi purpose floor from 3rd floor

Duct work in multi purpose building

Duct work in lunchroom -- warming kitchen back right

Back of multi purpose building

Side of school

Front of school

2012-04-10T16:42:00.000-04:00

Moving right along....that, indeed, is what's happening out at our new property. The brick and granite are up and our new school and multi purpose building are once again really taking shape. Next Tuesday, 4/17, will be a special and nonetheless, exciting day for all of us as Archbishop Gregory travels to Athens to bless our commemorative cornerstone. The gates will open at 5:30 to welcome the Archbishop, so plan to be a part of this important event as we take another one of those peviously mentioned steps into our not so distant future as a school and church community. In the meantime, take a look at the most recent photos below. The interior spaces are becoming well defined in the multi purpose building as the track gets closer to completion and trees have actually been planted along the walkway leading to the school. My favorite this week has to be where those trees lead --- the double archways. What a wonderful dose of character that in my opinion, makes the space feel warm and inviting. Something as simple as a doorway has never meant so much!

Front entrance with cornerstone (bottom left)

Side of school with space for St. Joseph statue

Completed side of school

Double archway leading into side of school

Tree lined walkway leading to school from Epps Bridge

Front entrance to multi-purpose building

Entrance into the multi-purpose building

Entrance into future lunchroom

Future locker room

Locker room

Inside future lunchroom

Kitchen with serving window

Walking track on top of lunchroom

Walking track with classroom walls going up

Walking track on top of multi purpose building entrance

2012-04-03T08:17:00.000-04:00

More fabulous weather has brought more fabulous change to our new school and multi purpose building. The proof is in the pictures. The multi purpose track is moving right along. The walls below it are up and are allowing for spaces such as the future "lunchroom" to take shape. It's going to be such a treat to have our own lunch space without having to work around a P.E. schedule. My guess is the P.E. department will concur! With those walls also comes locker rooms! Now we're talking! Those of us who coach and welcome visiting teams will now have a place to direct our opponents, but more importantly, a place to prep our own St. Joseph teams. Both men and ladies locker rooms have three showers, too! Like I said...now we're talking! I'll have to admit, though, my favorite picture this week is the last one. Although a bit blurry, it's the picture of the beam signed by parishioners and school staff alike. What a symbol of unity and support -- a symbol of faith and perseverance -- a symbol of belief that the dream of a new school and multi purpose building is coming to fruition. Everyday is one step closer. That final step through that front door, though, will be the best step ever!

Front entrance of multi purpose building with track above

2nd floor view looking down into multi purpose building -- future "lunchroom" space under track

Front of multi purpose building

Back and side view of school

Locker room far left corner of multi purpose building

Signed beam

2012-03-19T15:34:00.000-04:00

So, it's apparent. The construction crew did not take off for spring break! So much progress continues to happen as you can see below. The brick work is almost complete on the front of the school and is quickly making its way around the structure. The walls of the multi purpose building are partially in place and the walking track is now visible on both sides of the space. Classrooms and other spaces such as the library, as well as the computer and science labs, are becoming well defined as interior walls are going up. Plumbing for classroom sinks is also visible. This is a big bonus for those of us who will be teaching in these classrooms! No more running down the halls to clean hands or get supplies for a science lab! What a luxury! And last, but certainly not least, is the front door. The countdown has truly begun as we eagerly await to cross that threshold!

Front of school

Side of school

Multi purpose building walls going up

More walking track with exterior walls taking shape

The walking track has made its way to the front!

Front view of multi purpose building

Our future library

Upstairs duct work

Plumbing for classroom sinks

Looking down into the multi purpose building

Downstairs hallway

Front door to school

Front of school

2012-03-11T18:12:00.000-04:00

Another great weather week brought a lot of construction progress on our new school and multi purpose building. The school building has almost one solid side of brick in place and the detail that has come with it really adds loads of character. One visitor to the site remarked that it reminded her of a traditional Catholic school building with much attention to detail. The school roof appears to be complete as well. The steel girders are in place, forming the walking track and various classrooms on the 2nd floor of the multi purpose building. The front office is shaping up nicely with "check-in counters" for parents and students to be welcomed and "buzzed in." Duct work is also visible which excites those of us who will eventually be teaching in classrooms where we have our own thermostats to control! Soon to be up on the website -- the blueprints -- allowing viewers to really see where things are going to be. It's so exciting to walk our new property and visualize teaching in these spaces, walking these halls, and playing in that multi purpose building! We are so fortunate!

Front of school

Window detail adds character to the building.

Archway adds a nice touch.

Track and upstairs classrooms taking shape

2nd floor multi purpose building

Multi purpose roof

Front office check-in

More front office

Downstairs duct work

Upstairs hallway

2012-03-05T10:41:00.001-05:00

Welcome back and take a look at the new pictures below. Significant progress has been made on the tedious interior detail work such as plumbing and electrical. Classrooms are really taking shape and are full of windows, which is unheard of nowadays in new school construction. Check out the detail above all of these fabulous windows along with the beautiful stone and brick contrast. Progress on the multi-purpose building is moving right along. The space is incredibly vast! Just standing in it gives you goosebumps. It's truly amazing! Go out to the site and experience it for yourself. Just call the school office and schedule your own private tour or head out to the site on Sundays and check it out on your own. Be forewarned though...appropriate footwear is a must!

2012-02-27T10:05:00.001-05:00

WOW! What a difference one week has made! Thanks to Cathy Auslander, the following pictures are for your viewing pleasure. This week I decided to go with captions (sorry, don't know how to center them just yet), so check them out and see what you think. Here's to more sunny days!

Downstairs hallway

Downstairs classroom

Downstairs exit -- cool archway

Looking down into the gym from the school's 2nd floor

View of school from inside the gym

Granite stonework from Elberton

Brick is going up!

Gym side of the school building

2012-02-23T10:02:00.000-05:00

Wow! Much progress has been made since our last update! The support beams for the gym are now up. Can't you already hear the sounds of balls bouncing? The school's roof is almost complete. This will "dry in" the building, allowing much more work to be accomplished inside the structure. Our much awaited classrooms are on the way! As you can see from the first photo, the stonework on the lower exterior wall of the school building is beginning to take shape. Thanks to all of you for joining the blog! Much more to come......

2012-02-20T14:28:00.000-05:00

Monday, February 20, 2012

Welcome to the Watch Us Grow at Epps Bridge Blog. We are so excited about the progress thus far on our new church and school property. As you can see, the walls are up, the insulation is making its way around and the construction crew is hard at work on our new roof. Stay tuned as progress will be updated each week.