This morning, we officially launched the second phase of the Completing Our Campus project with a groundbreaking celebration that included students, faculty and staff, parents, and board members. The event began in the current STS gymnasium with remarks by Head of School Kirk Wheeler and Board of Trustees President Glyn Nordstrom. Dr. Wheeler then led the way outside to the construction site where he donned a hard hat, jumped in an excavator (to the delight of many of our students), and officially broke ground on the new building.
"I want to thank the community and those that have given so generously to the Completing Our Campus capital campaign for making this building a reality for our students," said Dr. Wheeler.
"This building with its full-size gymnasium, theater space, and rooftop playfield reflects our belief that health and wellness, athletics, and the arts are core aspects of our academic program. Being a part of a team or a cast, preparing for that big game, that production...these are profound learning experiences for our students. It gives them the opportunity to overcome adversity, practice collaboration, set and achieve goals, and, of course, have fun."
There aren't many more qualified to speak to the history of St. Thomas School than Mrs. Nordstrom, whose four children attended STS over a span of twenty years. "Over these two decades I've witnessed STS evolve from a small, local school to the innovative, globally recognized leader it is today," said Nordstrom. "This building is the culmination of our strategic plan, cementing St. Thomas School as a pioneer in 21st century education, while reaffirming our longstanding commitment to the Three Cs: character, curriculum, and community."
Once completed, the 18,500 square foot building will include a high school regulation size gymnasium with locker rooms, a theater space with sophisticated sound and lighting systems, a flexible classroom for the music and drama departments, and a rooftop playfield for physical education, athletics, and recess. The new building is expected to open in late fall 2020.
During the summer of 2020, as the new building nears completion, renovation of the current school building will begin. The current gymnasium will be transformed, providing space for the Center for Leadership & Innovation and the Center for Personalized Learning.
The total cost of the Completing Our Campus campaign is approximately $29 million.
"Campaign contributions are an investment in the future of STS. Today we have a beautiful school building because of the generous gifts of past STS families," said Nordstrom. "The Completing Our Campus campaign is our chance to pay it forward and add to St. Thomas School's remarkable legacy."
If you are interested in supporting the campaign, please contact Director of Development Leila Thomas.