Photo Credit: CHEYENNE PINO
BY KYRA BACON
After a year of construction, the new 3900 building was presented to Cooper City High School students on November 4th, 2013.
Although the initial plan was to move in a week before, the Certificate of Occupancy, which was needed to allow students into the building, was not given until Saturday, November 2, 2013, delaying the transition. On Monday, November 4th, Students were able to see their new school and navigate the halls to find their classes for the first time.
“The new building is really cool, but it will take some getting used to,” Junior Madison Hinz said. “I anticipated the move and was excited to finally see the new building after all the delays.”
The 3900 building’s design split up the science, English and business classes between the 2nd and 3rd floors, leaving the 1st for the administration and guidance offices, as well as the automotive classes, NJROTC, and daycare center. The courtyard was an aesthetic addition brought in by architect Mark McClary from Song Associates to tie in the whole school, playing off the master plan for all of the changes to CCHS.
“As an architect, McClary was aesthetically pleasing, trying to tie in the look of the new building with the 3400 building and cafeteria,” Principal Wendy Doll said. “Really, it’s what he thought looked good, and I think he did a great job.”
The new building is also specifically designed to promote safety while preventing tardy students from slipping off to class without a pass. Because two of the three entrances lock at the 7:30am bell, the only way in is a straight shot to student affairs.
The last of the county’s building funds were used to create this necessary improvement, eliminating the chance for further construction on any Broward County public schools.
“We used the last of the capital funds up for our building, so we need to feel very fortunate and appreciative to received the building,” Doll said.
Unlike the students, the teachers had seen the building previously on October 25th, and with it, a chance to view their new classrooms, the mailroom, the teacher’s lounge and more.
“The building is a different style from the old building and everything is clean and pretty,” Biology teacher Loretta Coyne said. “Although I do miss the outside and fresh air, I’m pretty flexible and I love that everything is new and working.”
Although the 3900 building may be complete, our school is far from finished. Preparation for the demolition of the 100 building began on November 12th, and fences were put up. The old building is scheduled to be torn down on December 15 and everything except for the band room, mini-gym, and early childhood care classrooms will be cleared away. Two big grass lots will eventually fill the spot where the old building once stood. The salvageable desks and computers that are currently in the old building will be either stored, or donated to nearby schools in need of them such as Pioneer Middle and Pines Middle.
Though there were concerns that students would not be able to find their rooms and that the new parent car line would cause issues, only minor problems, such as missing keys, unconnected technology and AC regulation resulted from the move. Students and teachers agree that the transition went smoothly.
“Given the short amount of time that we had to move when we were given the go-ahead, I think it went fabulously,” Doll said. “It was a lot to end the day on Friday in the old building and start the day on Monday in the new building, so it was truly a remarkable feat.”
