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Comp adjusts for modernization times

Things might look a bit out of kilter at Foothills Composite High School but the framework is strong. “When you walk in it’s a bit of a shocker,” said Foothills principal Vince Hunter.

Things might look a bit out of kilter at Foothills Composite High School but the framework is strong.

“When you walk in it’s a bit of a shocker,” said Foothills principal Vince Hunter. “But at the end of the day, the Comp is just a bunch of walls, it’s the kids and teachers that makes it what it is — and that part hasn’t changed.”

Foothills Comp is in the midst of the first phase of a $20 million modernization. Although the payoff will be huge when the modernization is complete – tentatively scheduled for January of 2018 – steps have been taken to minimize the impact on students as much as possible.

“There is going to be construction and there is going to be some obstacles around the changes to rooms and roofing and flooring,” Hunter said. “The kids are going to know what is going on and we have created plans so that kids have a learning space that is somewhat free of distractions.”

He said the staff has been working hard and is committed to make the modernization as smooth as possible for the first day of school on Sept. 1 and beyond.

“We want to keep it positive, it is part of our reality,” Hunter said. “We own that for our kids that this is a great place to be — and it will be.”

Hunter said one of the areas that faced changes is the learning commons area. Changed, but still effective.

“Part of our office, we have changed into a library,” Hunter said. “We have created a couple of storage areas for books. Our librarian Cindy Krebs, who is amazing, has pulled out some key pieces that kids will be interested around the literacy piece.

“She has created a spot where kids can go.”

The Composite has estimated enrolment figures approaching the 1,100 number for this school year. There will be room.

Hunter said the school has worked closely with contractors to ensure there are classrooms available during any construction.

“The first thing we did was build four new classrooms inside the school,” Hunter said. “That’s to accommodate any classes that get closed. If I’m a Social Studies teacher, and my room has to close, I have one of these rooms to move into.”

Parents have been consulted and are on board for the modernization.

“We haven’t really heard a reaction from the parents at this point,” Hunter said. “I think we heard more reaction when we were waiting for it (the modernization) to start, because I think there was fear that it wasn’t going to start.”

He said parents were more concerned about the potential of a new high school in the Aldersyde area.

“Parents wanted us to modernize, because we are able to keep this great building,” he said.

The Comp is a jewel from a different time as it offers trades ranging from cosmetology to welding.

Hunter said schools offering those trades will likely become few and far between due to the cost.

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