EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) – Las Cruces Public Schools (LCPS) celebrated on Wednesday the renovations made at Desert Hills Elementary with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
LCPS said the renovations at Desert Hills Elementary aimed to “create a safe and engaging environment for students and staff, fostering enjoyable and productive teaching and learning experiences.”
A main focus was implementing a new design in the pickup and drop-off area to alleviate the flow of traffic in the mornings and afternoons, LCPS said. At the time, those periods contributed to significant congestion on Roadrunner Parkway, LCPS added.
LCPS said a vehicular circulation was put in place to reduce traffic congestion during peak hours.
“The redesigned site accommodates the existing transportation needs, including eight morning and nine-afternoon buses, six daycare vans, separate drop-off/pick-up zones for K-2nd and 3rd-5th grades, and dedicated parking for visitors and staff,” read the news release by LCPS.
Additionally, a new 12,119-square-foot multipurpose space was built to support extracurricular activities and enhance student experiences. The facility includes bleachers, restrooms, an office, an elevated storage platform, a kitchen, a serving area, a dishwashing station, and dedicated mechanical and electrical rooms, LCPS said.
LCPS said that during a visit in 2019, it was noted that the student population had grown to 713, surpassing the original design capacity of 648. In response to this growth, five new kindergarten classrooms were added, expanding the facility by 7,300 square feet.
Each classroom is equipped with individual restrooms, designed to support the needs of young learners. The new classrooms were designed with energy efficiency in mind, incorporating durable, low-maintenance materials and finishes that align with district standards for heating and cooling systems, LCPS said.
LCPS said renovations also included embracing the existing school entry, with the addition of a secure vestibule designed to meet the district’s protocol for safety and security.
A nurse’s area was also upgraded to meet the New Mexico Public School Facilities Authority (NM PSFA) Adequacy Standards.
“The new upgrades at Desert Hills Elementary create a more welcoming and supportive space for students, parents, and staff. These improvements not only strengthen the school community but also play a vital role in fostering the future well-being and success of Las Cruces,” LCPS said. “The school upgrades are part of the LCPS Capital Outlay Program, supported by voter-approved general obligation bonds.”
Read: Read More