Planning & Design Meetings History and Social Sciences Dept: Schematic Design Mtg. 1 10/1/2009 - MinutesHistory and Social Sciences Department
Palo Alto High School
1 October 2009
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PALO ALTO HIGH SCHOOL
Palo Alto Unified School District
MEETING NOTES
DATE: 1 October 2009
SUBJECT: History and Social Sciences Dept: Schematic Design Mtg. 1
ATTENDEES: Eric Bloom, Paly Kathie Laurence, Paly
Jaclyn Edwards, Paly Hilary McDaniel, Paly
Steve Foug, Paly Dave Whitson, Paly
Grant Blackburn, Paly Erwin Lee, DLM
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the schematic design needs of the history and
social sciences department (HSS). The following are the highlights of the meeting:
1. Erwin Lee (EL) gave a brief recap of the comments from the BOE relative to their
approval of the Conceptual Design phase. He indicated that the participation by the
teachers at the BOE meeting to discuss their needs and explain how the current design
reflects those needs was invaluable in securing the Board’s approval.
2. The primary change to the floor plan was the introduction of a separate entry to the
central office area that does not pass through the Resource Room. The Resource
Room remains the same size.
3. The primary focus of the discussion was the interior layout of the rooms. The major
points discussed:
The main instructional wall will be at the opposite side of the door. That is, entry
into the classroom will be from the back of the room.
The instructional wall will have a full length (wall-to-wall) marker board with a
sliding portion equal to approximately 1/3 of the length. This will allow multiple
teachers to use the same room (which currently takes place) without having to
erase assignments or other information on the marker boards.
With the large marker board on the instructional wall, it was decided that the
marker board at the back of the classroom was not necessary. The preference
was to have more tackable wall surface.
A discussion was held relative to marker boards vs. chalkboards. Although
there were mixed opinions, the display boards will be white marker boards.
These are better suited when in proximity to computers since they do not
generate chalk dust.
4. EL explained that the windows would be operable and that there are different types of
window operation each with positives and negatives.
Due to walking areas adjacent to the windows, project-in or project-out windows
are limited in the amount that they can open unless they are above
approximately 7’-0”.
Hopper windows (project-in) that are hinged on the bottom and pull-in from the
top are the most common for schools. High windows will require a pole to pull
open and push close.
Hopper windows allow for fixed insect screens.
History and Social Sciences Department
Palo Alto High School
1 October 2009
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An inconvenience of hopper windows is that they must be closed in order to
operate window covering such as blinds or shades.
EL suggested that roller shades be used because they can block out light and
views from outside while still maintaining views to from the inside. They typically
can dim the room sufficiently for LCD projectors.
The group was in favor of as much natural light as possible and did not want to
eliminate windows to create wall space.
5. EL indicated that the casework or cabinets in the room would consist of base cabinets
some with open shelves for books and others with doors, and a tall wardrobe cabinet.
The final design, how many of each type, what configuration, drawers/no drawers, can
be determined at a later date.
6. The desired finish floor material is carpet (carpet tiles).
7. Two plan variations were shown: one with the boiler room incorporated into the building
and the other without.
Without the boiler room, the group felt that the large classroom/flex room should
be located across from the Resource Room. This would create the opportunity
to have two large spaces adjacent to each other for special occasions or events.
With the boiler room, they liked the idea of the restrooms positioned between
the boiler room and the classroom.
EL indicated that a field trip was being scheduled to visit a school with a similar
boiler room/roof mounted chiller configuration and that anyone who has
interested could attend.
8. EL indicated that at the Gunn HS classroom building, two adjacent classrooms would
be configured with a folding partition so that a double sized classroom could be created.
This was in addition to the oversized, flex classroom. The group liked the idea and
thought it should be incorporated as well.
9. The Staff Room will have the following:
The finish floor surface will be carpet with a linoleum area in front of the counter
and sink to protect the carpet.
The exterior door will be moved from the center of the room to the side to eliminate
circulation from bisecting the room.
Provide room for a full size refrigerator/freezer unit and microwave/s. A range is
not required.
10. At the conference room adjacent to the IS Office, two of the walls will have high
windows in order to create additional wall space below.
11. A follow-up meeting will be scheduled to review the modification discussed today and to
address other areas.
END
Prepared by Erwin Lee of Deems Lewis McKinley. Please advise in writing if you feel that any of the above
items are inaccurate.
cc: Attendees, File