The week of June 10–14 is groundbreaking week in Federal Way Public Schools.

This will be an exciting week as the district celebrates the start of construction on Mirror Lake, Lake Grove and Wildwood elementary schools. While some preliminary site work was completed on these sites this spring, construction will truly begin once students and staff have left for the summer, and the district is taking time to celebrate each of these school sites before the end of the 2018-19 school year.

“We are excited to break ground on the first three schools included in the phase 2 bond, approved by voters to enhance learning environments at schools across the district,” said Superintendent Dr. Tammy Campbell in a press release.

These three elementary schools are the first of eight schools to be rebuilt, thanks to voter approval of a school construction bond in November 2017. One of the bond’s aims is to relieve overcrowding at the elementary level, and these new schools will allow for more room for scholars to learn, as well as a more modern learning environment. Highlights of the new designs include:

• Learning resource center and discovery lab

These spaces provide scholars access to resources, including books and computers, as well as creating a space for small group and hands-on learning outside the classroom.

• School identity

While the three building designs are more similar than different, each school will have its own unique identity incorporated into the design.

• Secure entry vestibule

The new school facilities will include enhanced security features. This includes a secure and welcoming entry, which connects to the main office.

Throughout the design process, the architects have engaged with and heard feedback from scholars, parents, and community members, in addition to district and school staff. These key voices provided valuable insight that helped create designs for three school buildings that will best serve our scholars and families.

Join the district at one of the following dates to check out the design images and celebrate the beginning of construction on the new schools:

• Wildwood Elementary School

June 10, 3:15–4:15 p.m.

• Mirror Lake Elementary School

June 11, 3:15–4:15 p.m.

• Lake Grove Elementary School

June 12, 4–5 p.m.

For more information about school construction projects in Federal Way Public Schools, visit www.fwps.org/bond or call 253-945-2000.

A rendering of Mirror Lake Elementary School. Courtesy of Federal Way Public Schools

A rendering of Wildwood Elementary School. Courtesy of Federal Way Public Schools