21st Century School
Springfield Public Schools is replacing the overcrowded existing Sherwood Elementary School with a new building at a new location. The project is located on a wooded piece of land on South Golden Ave. with Horton Smith Golf Course to the north and the South Creek Greenway’s trail along the east and south. The school will feature many collaboration spaces or “learning Parks” that promote an active learning environment along with brain friendly color schemes.
Safety
The gymnasium of the new school will be designed to meet the structural requirements of a FEMA 361 Safe Room. The project is not receiving FEMA funding, but the school is committed to providing the safe room for the security of the kids and staff.
Partnerships
A unique feature is the partnership with the Boys and Girls Club. This will be the first school in the state of Missouri that has a dedicated BGC as part of the school building. Kids using the 5500 S.F. BGC will also have access to the gym, art room, music room, and other facilities within the school.
Net Zero (capable)
The most cutting edge feature of this project is that it is Net Zero capable. A Net Zero building is one that uses very little energy and is powered completely by solar panels and or wind turbines. This project will not initially include solar nor wind power, but will be a very low energy consumer, so the future addition of solar and wind power will make it Net Zero and completely off the utility grid.