The public is invited to tour two new Federal Way Public Schools buildings Wednesday, Oct. 12.
A joint ribbon cutting celebration to mark the completion of Star Lake Elementary School and Evergreen Middle School takes place in the schools’ shared Commons area from 4 to 5:30 p.m. The joint program also includes optional 20-minute tours of each school’s building.
Both schools are at 26812 40th Ave. S. in Kent.
“We have been anxiously waiting for the completion of these two schools for a long time,” said Superintendent Dr. Dani Pfeiffer. “Now that they are both complete, we’re excited to show them off to the community and our supporters who approved the projects. The ribbon cutting celebration will mark the start of improved learning experiences for our scholars at Star Lake and Evergreen. I’m excited for everyone to come out and celebrate with us.”
The two schools are the latest schools to be rebuilt thanks to voter approval of the school construction bond in 2017.
Star Lake was originally built in 1958, while Evergreen Middle School was built in 1963. Both schools were among eight schools selected to be rebuilt under the bond due to the deteriorating conditions.
Construction began in May 2020, right at the onset of COVID-19 lockdowns, yet teams were able to complete Evergreen’s three-story wing to allow occupancy in January and Star Lake’s two-story wing by the following school year in September, according to the district.
With the improved designs and innovative features of the brand-new schools, scholar’s learning takes place in an environment of improved security and modern touches.
Highlights of each school’s new design include:
- Maximized building efficiencies with shared areas accessible from both schools including the kitchen, Commons with an operable wall for separate cafeterias, Library, and Family Connections area.
- Separate gymnasiums, with Evergreen also having an auxiliary gym.
- Playfields on opposite sides of the academic wings and a courtyard between the academic wings.
The ribbon cutting program will feature remarks from Superintendent Dr. Pfeiffer, each school’s principal, scholars and other key individuals who played an integral part in bringing the projects to fruition.
