Virginia Chapter

Involving the COmmunity in “it’s About the Students.”

CEFPI Virginia Chapter

Mid-Year Conference

Welcome to Manassas

Park Elementary School

D E S I G N E RS O F M A N AS SAS PA R K C IT Y S C HOO LS

200 E MARKET ST, CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA 22902PH : 434.296.5684, FX : 434.296.4496

www.vmdo.com

Virginia Chapter

804 W. Diamond Avenue, Suite 300 Gaithersburg, MD 20878T: 301.670.9000 | F: 9009 | W: hessconstruction.com

Come discover with us.

HESS Congratulates Manassas Park Elementary School

named by Mid-Atlantic Construction Best of 2009

K-12 Project of the Year

CEFPI Virginia Chap-

ter would like to ex-

tend its gratitude to

Manassas Park Elemen-

tary School for the use

of their facility.

VEFP BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Offi cers

Len Wright, President

Bill Bradley, Past President

Kathleen Langan, President-Elect

Keith Webb, Treasurer

Maureen Hannan, Secretary

Directors

Duane Harver

Scott Horan

Steve Hostetler

A.K. “Vijay” Ramnarain

Roger Richardson

State Director

John Hill

Dr. Ritchie Carroll— Dr. Ritchie Carroll is in her fourteenth

year in Manassas Park City Schools.

Since coming to Manassas Park in 1996,

she served, simultaneously, as principal

of both Independence and Manassas

Park Elementary Schools for 4.5 years,

as principal of Cougar Elementary

School for 2.5 years and is in her 7th

year as the Associate Superintendent for Administrative Services. In

Manassas Park, she is primarily involved with recruiting and retain-

ing staff , ensuring that students are transported to school safely and

effi ciently, and maintaining the phenomenal teaching and learning fa-

cilities that have received numerous state and national awards for their

architectural design. As an elementary teacher and instructional leader

for a number of years, Dr. Carroll’s true passion is teaching and is

able to share her curricular knowledge, leadership experiences, and her

particular expertise with student and adult learners in various arenas.

Ritchie Carroll is a member of several professional and civic organiza-

tions and serves on the state-wide K-12 Advisory Council in conjunc-

tion with the University of Virginia to provide professional develop-

ment opportunities for current and aspiring administrators. Dr. Carroll

is the recipient of the two prestigious Washington Post annual awards

– the Agnes Meyer Outstanding Teacher and the Distinguished Edu-

cational Leader. She believes and demonstrates that “Real leaders are

just ordinary people with extraordinary determination.” ■

S C H E D U L E O F E V E N T S Tour GuidesA special thank you to our tour guides who generously volunteered to share their insights.

L e a d i n g a t t e n d e e s t h r o u g h M a n a s s a s P a r k E l e m e n t a r y S c h o o l

11:30 ARRIVAL AND REGISTRATION

12:00 INTERACTIVE TOURS

1:00 LUNCH

1:45 PRESENTATIONS

Dr. Th omas DeBolt - Mrs. Stacey Mamon - Dr. Ritchie Carroll

Th ree educational leaders from Manassas Park will share, “Th e Manas-

sas Park Schools Story – Meeting Past, Present, and Future Challenges.”

Th is inspiring story highlights the transformation of the community

over the last 33 years, describing the eleven key components that com-

prise the heart of the Manassas Park City Schools’ story.

Ms. Victoria Bergsagel

Th e founder and director of Architects of Acheivement, Victoria Ber-

glagel will present her analysis of the synergy between learning environ-

ments, building design, and community involvement.

2:45 PANEL DISCUSSIONS

3:15 Q&A

3:30 SHUTTLE DEPARTS FOR WASHINGTON, DC

Design Professionals Educators

Mr. Jon Shealy, LEED APIntern Architect, VMDO Architects, P.C.

Dr. Thomas H. DeBoltSuperintendent, Manassas Park City Schools

Mr. Robert W. Moje, AIA, LEED APMPES Principal-in-charge; Principal, VMDO Architects, P.C.

Ms. Kelly DumermuthTeacher of 4th & 5th grade Science, Ma-nassas Park Elementary School

Mr. Wyck Knox, AIA, LEED APMPES Project Architect; Staff Architect, VMDO Architects, P.C.

Dr. Ritchie CarrollAssociate Superintendent of Adminis-trative Services, Manassas Park City Schools

Mr. Kenneth A. Thacker, AIA, LEED AP Studio Director, Associate Principal, VMDO Architects, P.C.

Mr. Bruce McDadeAssociate Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, Manassas Park City Schools

Mr. Stephen B. Davis, AIA, Leed APDirector of Sustainable Design, Associ-ate, VMDO Architects, P.C.

Mrs. Stacey MamonPrincipal, Manassas Park Elementary School

Ms. Kelly D. Callahan, AIA Staff Architect, VMDO Architects, P.C.

Mrs. Melissa PittsAssistant Principal, Manassas Park Elementary School

Ms. Rebecca Stinnett, RA, LEED AP Staff Architect, VMDO Architects, P.C.

Mr. Scott BaldwinTeacher of 4th Grade, Manassas Park Elementary School

Stacey Mamon— Stacey Mamon is in her third year as

principal of Manassas Park Elementary

School. She has been with Manassas

Park City Schools since 1998, where

she has also served as an assistant prin-

cipal for three years and a classroom

teacher in grades K, 2 and 3. In 2002,

Mrs. Mamon became Manassas Park

City Schools’ fi rst National Board certifi ed teacher. She has also been

recognized by her peers as “Educator of the Year” and as a nominee

for the Washington Post Agnes Meyer Distinguished Teacher award.

Mrs. Mamon obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Educa-

tion from Pennsylvania State University and her Master’s degree in

Administration and Supervision from George Mason University.

Under Mrs. Mamon’s leadership, Manassas Park Elementary School

has earned full state accreditation and achieved AYP under NCLB.

She played an integral role in the design and construction process of

the new, LEED gold certifi ed Manassas Park Elementary School and

successfully led the faculty, staff and students into the new facility in

April 2009. Th roughout her career in Manassas Park City Schools, she

has been involved both as a teacher and an administrator in the imple-

mentation of the parallel block schedule, the design and facilitation of

data-driven staff development and the establishment of professional

learning communities. ■

PAGE 6 CEFPI Virginia Chapter Mid-Year Conference CEFPI Virginia Chapter Mid-Year Conference PAGE 3

FEATURES

Th e Owner’s goal of the

highest possible LEED

certifi cation (the fi rst of

its kind in the jurisdiction)

and a forward-thinking,

environmental ly-con-

scious design presented

the team with additional

challenges. Th e project

required coordinated pro-

cedures and open com-

munications among the

project team, including

negotiations with City planning offi cials who were involved in project

oversight at an unprecedented level.

Th ree classroom wings organize classrooms on an east-west axis, maxi-

mizing opportunities for natural day lighting. Copious windows off er

views to the adjacent forest. Where windows or clerestories would be

ineff ective, supplemental daylight is delivered through roof-mounted

“solar tubes”; many spaces are routinely lit purely with indirect sun-

light. Wood slat ceilings supplement more ubiquitous acoustical tile

for a custom feel and a refl ection of the woods outside. Th e building

utilizes a steel frame for virtually unlimited freedom of interior parti-

tion layout.

Dr. Thomas DeBolt— Dr. Th omas DeBolt is in his fourteenth

year as Superintendent of Manassas Park

City Schools and prior to this, served as

a high school principal for 23 years. In

Manassas Park, he is very involved in

helping this rapidly growing school sys-

tem achieve sustained student and school

division success. Th e fact that the Ma-

nassas Park City Schools are exemplary in numerous ways is certainly a

tribute to Dr. DeBolt’s fourteen years of leadership as Superintendent.

Dr. DeBolt and his school division have developed outstanding pro-

grams and initiatives in the following areas: vision and planning, stu-

dent achievement, curriculum/instruction, staff development, technol-

ogy, school design and construction, fi scal resource enhancement, and

school-community relations. Under Dr. DeBolt’s leadership, Manas-

sas Park City Schools has constructed four world-class facilities – Ma-

nassas Park High School opened in 1998, Cougar Elementary School

opened in 2001, Manassas Park Middle School opened in 2006, and

the new Manassas Park Elementary School opened in April 2009. To

date, Manassas Park City Schools buildings have received thirteen state

and national awards for architectural excellence. In March of 2008 Dr.

DeBolt was awarded the Virginia Education Facility Planners – Vir-

ginia Planner of the Year Award and in 2009 he received the Council

of Education Facility Planners Southeast Region – Th omas Morgan

Planner of the Year Award. Recently, the Virginia State Board of Edu-

cation honored MPCS as one of only four school districts of the 134

in Virginia to earn full accreditation for each of its schools. MPCS and

also received division-wide accreditation from SACS CASI. MPCS

is only one of fourteen school divisions to earn the rare distinction of

having each of its schools and the school division achieve AYP under

NCLB. Th e signifi cant improvement of MPCS, and the work of Dr.

DeBolt and many others during the last ten years, is the story told by

UVA Professor, Dr. Daniel Duke in his recently published book, Th e

Little School System that Could, State University of New York 2008.

In 1999 Dr. DeBolt was honored by the Virginia Department of Edu-

cation with the Region IV Technology Leadership Award. In 1995

he was honored as a “Distinguished Alumnus of Eureka College” and

inducted into the Bloom High School Hall of Fame. Th omas DeBolt

has authored numerous articles and textbooks on social studies educa-

tion and successful school administration. He has played an active role

in evaluating school programs across the state and nation. He is re-

garded as a people motivator, and is frequently called upon to conduct

seminars and workshops, and deliver motivational talks to educators,

business leaders and students. ■

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Th e City of Manassas Park, Virginia ambitiously expanded their ex-

isting lower elementary school campus. A new 10,500 gsf Pre-Kin-

dergarten serves 70 students, including special needs individuals. Th e

121,000 gsf Upper School houses up to 875 3rd, 4th and 5th grade

students. Th e project unites the existing lower school and historic

Camp Carondeiet via two new buildings that weave together existing

resources. Th e Pre-K spaces are sized for 4 and 5 year olds, including

a 4 foot high “entrance door” and window reading nooks oriented to

the adjacent Camp. Th e Camp is fully woven into the Upper School’s

architectural layout, maximizing the educational and recreational op-

portunities thereby engaging the community into the educational

components of the building.

Each room name has been themed after a local animal or plant. Th e

three academic “houses” are articulated as Summer, Fall or Spring via

room signage, way fi nding techniques and color schemes. Th e hall-

ways of each academic house are lined with a random pattern of clear

fi nish Poplar, Cherry, Ash, Maple, Red Oak and White Oak vertical

planks mixed with full length mirrors – giving the student the eff ect of

walking in the woods.

Innovative teaching techniques combine with a sustainable building

to provide opportunities not found in traditional school construction.

Spaces are tailored to accommodate the innovative “parallel block” aca-

demic system used by Manassas Park. All students receive large and

small group instruction in language, arts, and math, while

full time specialists teach science and social studies.

Rather than separating the 3rd, 4th and 5th graders into

the three “houses” of the building, each student is assigned

to a house for three years. Th is allows a smaller number

of teachers to build a multi-year relationship with a small

number of students.

Teaching extends outdoors with two courtyards. Ramp

access allows the top of the cistern to double as an out-

door classroom equipped with a colorful rain gauge and

large scale graphics explaining the hydrologic system and

the impact of rainwater harvesting. ■

■ A consolidated campus uniting Manassas Park Elementary School

with Cougar Elementary School maximizes shared resources.

■ Professional spaces bring educators together during a common

planning time to collaborate and share best teaching practices.

■ Each room is themed after a local animal or plant with ground

dwelling creatures on the fi rst fl oor, mid-canopy fl ora on the

second fl oor, and treetop/sky inhabitants on the third fl oor. Th is

feature increases students’ knowledge of the fl ora and fauna com-

monly found in Virginia.

■ Age appropriate signage illustrates the function and benefi ts of

the school’s ground source heat pump and rainwater harvesting

systems.

■ Instead of separating the 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders into the three

‘houses’ of the building, each student is assigned to a house for the

full three years. Th is allows a smaller number of teachers to build

a multi-year relationship with a smaller number of students. ■

BIOGRAPHIES OF SPEAKERS

Victoria Bergsagel— Victoria Bergsagel is passionate about

designing schools where ALL students

achieve. She founded and directs Ar-

chitects of Achievement, a network that

helps communities across the country

integrate the work of facility design

into school reform. Harvard-educated,

Victoria has been a high school teach-

er, counselor, principal, district administrator, adjunct professor, and

consultant to Microsoft on the implementation of laptop learning in

schools. As the Director of Educational Partnerships at Talaris Brain

Research Institute, she worked with an interdisciplinary team to con-

duct, integrate, and interpret some of the world’s leading brain research.

She now serves as a consultant, featured speaker, and design jurist for

clients ranging from school districts to national architectural organiza-

tions to education departments in the U.S. and abroad. Victoria sits on

the Board of Trustees for the Council of Educational Facilities Plan-

ners International Foundation & Charitable Trust and is the chair of

their International Research Committee. Victoria was recently named

to the League of Extraordinary School Designers. One of fi ve leaders

chosen by the American Institute of Architects Committee on Archi-

tecture for Education, she was the only educator selected for the honor

among a fi eld of architects. ■

On the exterior, local red brick, painted metal siding, and aluminum

storefront windows complement the existing Cougar Elementary ma-

terials palette. External sunshades provide strategically placed shade

on classroom windows as well as visual interest on the facades.

A custom designed room signage package, along with imprinted leaf

prints and animal tracks in the ground fl oor’s colored concrete call

attention to the camp’s fl ora and fauna and prove that learning oppor-

tunities can be found where one least expects them. Age-appropriate

signage illustrates the function and benefi ts of the school’s ground

source heat pump and rainwater harvesting systems. ■

PAGE 4 CEFPI Virginia Chapter Mid-Year Conference CEFPI Virginia Chapter Mid-Year Conference PAGE 5

CHALLENGES

Th e building of a new elementary school within the

confi nes of an existing, fully operational school campus

was an enormous challenge that the design and con-

struction team overcame with thoughtful planning and

clear documentation. One diffi cult challenge was the

necessity of completing the majority of the infrastruc-

ture site work in only seven weeks during the sum-

mer of 2007. Th e parking lots and the entrance road

into the existing Cougar Elementary School had to be

demolished and rebuilt to provide space for the con-

struction of the pre-k building and the new Manassas

Park Elementary School. Th e operation and opening

of Cougar Elementary depended upon the completion of

this critical site work. Another challenge the project faced was the ero-

sion control of water runoff from the geo-thermal well drilling. Both

the site work completion and erosion control measures were success-

fully undertaken and accomplished.

Th e location of the school adjacent to the historic woodland enhanced

the school’s sense of connectedness to the natural world but present-

ed a huge challenge to the building team. A sophisticated landscape

package extended the learning environment throughout the campus,

and right to the edge of existing buildings on site. A fast-tracked

construction schedule allowed the existing school to maintain uninter-

rupted operations throughout the school year. ■

SUSTAINABLE DESIGN AND CON-STRUCTION

SLOPED CEILINGSTh e color white refl ects lightwaves. By sloping the

ceiling to slightly face the windows, the white pan-

els can refl ect more natural daylight and distribute it

through the room as ambient light. In addition, the

ceiling material absorbs sound waves which helps keep

the classroom from getting too noisy.

DAYLIGHT HARVESTINGDuring the daytime, rooms and hallways are lit natu-

rally by solar tube skylights. Each tube collects sun-

light through a small dome on the roof and then

refl ects the natural light down into the room.

AUTOMATIC LIGHT CONTROLSTh e light fi xtures in the classrooms have built-in

photosensors. Th ese sensors constantly measure

the light levels in the room and automatically

dim each fi xture to provide the right amount of

light without using excess electricity. Th ere is

also an occupancy sensor which turns off all the

lights when the room is unoccupied.

NATURAL VENTILATIONEvery classroom has windows that can be opened. When the outdoor

temperature and humidity are just right, a green light in each hallway

will turn on. Th is means each classroom’s heat pump has turned off to

save energy, making it a great time to open the windows and get fresh

air from outside.

LIGHT LOUVERS Th e top windows in all south-facing classrooms have louvers that re-

direct sunlight. Th eir mirrored slats are specially shaped to refl ect

sunlight deep into the classrooms. Th is indirect light refl ects off the

ceiling, providing illumination while preventing the glare and heat

from direct sun light.

GROUND HEAT EXCHANGEEach classroom has its own ground water heat pump located in the

mechanical space on the roof. Th e room’s temperature and humidity

are constantly measured so that warm or cool air is supplied only when

needed.

RAINWATER REUSERainwater from the roof is collected and stored in the

school’s cistern. Only non-potable water is used by the

sprinklers. ■

INNOVATIVE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS

■ Teachers employ a wide variety of teaching and learning strategies

in all indoor and outdoor learning spaces which feature auditory

privacy and visual openness.

■ Spaces are tailored to accommodate the innovative block

schedule.

■ All students receive large and small group instruction in language

arts and math, while full-time specialists teach science and social

studies.

■ Small group instruction is targeted at specifi c skill levels, while

large group instruction allows for guided practice, discussion and

group projects.

■ By providing unique real-world educational opportunities, the

building serves as a teaching tool, highlighting important features

of science, math, and the environment.

■ Teaching extends outdoors with two cistern-irrigated courtyards

planted with indigenous ferns and woodland fl ora.

■ A terraced outdoor classroom demonstrates bio-retention tech-

niques and is equipped with a colorful rain gauge and large scale

graphics explaining the hydrologic system and the impact of rain-

water harvesting.

On the exterior, local red brick, painted metal siding, and aluminum

storefront windows complement the existing Cougar Elementary ma-

terials palette. External sunshades provide strategically placed shade

on classroom windows as well as visual interest on the facades.

A custom designed room signage package, along with imprinted leaf

prints and animal tracks in the ground fl oor’s colored concrete call

attention to the camp’s fl ora and fauna and prove that learning oppor-

tunities can be found where one least expects them. Age-appropriate

signage illustrates the function and benefi ts of the school’s ground

source heat pump and rainwater harvesting systems. ■

PAGE 4 CEFPI Virginia Chapter Mid-Year Conference CEFPI Virginia Chapter Mid-Year Conference PAGE 5

CHALLENGES

Th e building of a new elementary school within the

confi nes of an existing, fully operational school campus

was an enormous challenge that the design and con-

struction team overcame with thoughtful planning and

clear documentation. One diffi cult challenge was the

necessity of completing the majority of the infrastruc-

ture site work in only seven weeks during the sum-

mer of 2007. Th e parking lots and the entrance road

into the existing Cougar Elementary School had to be

demolished and rebuilt to provide space for the con-

struction of the pre-k building and the new Manassas

Park Elementary School. Th e operation and opening

of Cougar Elementary depended upon the completion of

this critical site work. Another challenge the project faced was the ero-

sion control of water runoff from the geo-thermal well drilling. Both

the site work completion and erosion control measures were success-

fully undertaken and accomplished.

Th e location of the school adjacent to the historic woodland enhanced

the school’s sense of connectedness to the natural world but present-

ed a huge challenge to the building team. A sophisticated landscape

package extended the learning environment throughout the campus,

and right to the edge of existing buildings on site. A fast-tracked

construction schedule allowed the existing school to maintain uninter-

rupted operations throughout the school year. ■

SUSTAINABLE DESIGN AND CON-STRUCTION

SLOPED CEILINGSTh e color white refl ects lightwaves. By sloping the

ceiling to slightly face the windows, the white pan-

els can refl ect more natural daylight and distribute it

through the room as ambient light. In addition, the

ceiling material absorbs sound waves which helps keep

the classroom from getting too noisy.

DAYLIGHT HARVESTINGDuring the daytime, rooms and hallways are lit natu-

rally by solar tube skylights. Each tube collects sun-

light through a small dome on the roof and then

refl ects the natural light down into the room.

AUTOMATIC LIGHT CONTROLSTh e light fi xtures in the classrooms have built-in

photosensors. Th ese sensors constantly measure

the light levels in the room and automatically

dim each fi xture to provide the right amount of

light without using excess electricity. Th ere is

also an occupancy sensor which turns off all the

lights when the room is unoccupied.

NATURAL VENTILATIONEvery classroom has windows that can be opened. When the outdoor

temperature and humidity are just right, a green light in each hallway

will turn on. Th is means each classroom’s heat pump has turned off to

save energy, making it a great time to open the windows and get fresh

air from outside.

LIGHT LOUVERS Th e top windows in all south-facing classrooms have louvers that re-

direct sunlight. Th eir mirrored slats are specially shaped to refl ect

sunlight deep into the classrooms. Th is indirect light refl ects off the

ceiling, providing illumination while preventing the glare and heat

from direct sun light.

GROUND HEAT EXCHANGEEach classroom has its own ground water heat pump located in the

mechanical space on the roof. Th e room’s temperature and humidity

are constantly measured so that warm or cool air is supplied only when

needed.

RAINWATER REUSERainwater from the roof is collected and stored in the

school’s cistern. Only non-potable water is used by the

sprinklers. ■

INNOVATIVE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS

■ Teachers employ a wide variety of teaching and learning strategies

in all indoor and outdoor learning spaces which feature auditory

privacy and visual openness.

■ Spaces are tailored to accommodate the innovative block

schedule.

■ All students receive large and small group instruction in language

arts and math, while full-time specialists teach science and social

studies.

■ Small group instruction is targeted at specifi c skill levels, while

large group instruction allows for guided practice, discussion and

group projects.

■ By providing unique real-world educational opportunities, the

building serves as a teaching tool, highlighting important features

of science, math, and the environment.

■ Teaching extends outdoors with two cistern-irrigated courtyards

planted with indigenous ferns and woodland fl ora.

■ A terraced outdoor classroom demonstrates bio-retention tech-

niques and is equipped with a colorful rain gauge and large scale

graphics explaining the hydrologic system and the impact of rain-

water harvesting.

PAGE 6 CEFPI Virginia Chapter Mid-Year Conference CEFPI Virginia Chapter Mid-Year Conference PAGE 3

FEATURES

Th e Owner’s goal of the

highest possible LEED

certifi cation (the fi rst of

its kind in the jurisdiction)

and a forward-thinking,

environmental ly-con-

scious design presented

the team with additional

challenges. Th e project

required coordinated pro-

cedures and open com-

munications among the

project team, including

negotiations with City planning offi cials who were involved in project

oversight at an unprecedented level.

Th ree classroom wings organize classrooms on an east-west axis, maxi-

mizing opportunities for natural day lighting. Copious windows off er

views to the adjacent forest. Where windows or clerestories would be

ineff ective, supplemental daylight is delivered through roof-mounted

“solar tubes”; many spaces are routinely lit purely with indirect sun-

light. Wood slat ceilings supplement more ubiquitous acoustical tile

for a custom feel and a refl ection of the woods outside. Th e building

utilizes a steel frame for virtually unlimited freedom of interior parti-

tion layout.

Dr. Thomas DeBolt— Dr. Th omas DeBolt is in his fourteenth

year as Superintendent of Manassas Park

City Schools and prior to this, served as

a high school principal for 23 years. In

Manassas Park, he is very involved in

helping this rapidly growing school sys-

tem achieve sustained student and school

division success. Th e fact that the Ma-

nassas Park City Schools are exemplary in numerous ways is certainly a

tribute to Dr. DeBolt’s fourteen years of leadership as Superintendent.

Dr. DeBolt and his school division have developed outstanding pro-

grams and initiatives in the following areas: vision and planning, stu-

dent achievement, curriculum/instruction, staff development, technol-

ogy, school design and construction, fi scal resource enhancement, and

school-community relations. Under Dr. DeBolt’s leadership, Manas-

sas Park City Schools has constructed four world-class facilities – Ma-

nassas Park High School opened in 1998, Cougar Elementary School

opened in 2001, Manassas Park Middle School opened in 2006, and

the new Manassas Park Elementary School opened in April 2009. To

date, Manassas Park City Schools buildings have received thirteen state

and national awards for architectural excellence. In March of 2008 Dr.

DeBolt was awarded the Virginia Education Facility Planners – Vir-

ginia Planner of the Year Award and in 2009 he received the Council

of Education Facility Planners Southeast Region – Th omas Morgan

Planner of the Year Award. Recently, the Virginia State Board of Edu-

cation honored MPCS as one of only four school districts of the 134

in Virginia to earn full accreditation for each of its schools. MPCS and

also received division-wide accreditation from SACS CASI. MPCS

is only one of fourteen school divisions to earn the rare distinction of

having each of its schools and the school division achieve AYP under

NCLB. Th e signifi cant improvement of MPCS, and the work of Dr.

DeBolt and many others during the last ten years, is the story told by

UVA Professor, Dr. Daniel Duke in his recently published book, Th e

Little School System that Could, State University of New York 2008.

In 1999 Dr. DeBolt was honored by the Virginia Department of Edu-

cation with the Region IV Technology Leadership Award. In 1995

he was honored as a “Distinguished Alumnus of Eureka College” and

inducted into the Bloom High School Hall of Fame. Th omas DeBolt

has authored numerous articles and textbooks on social studies educa-

tion and successful school administration. He has played an active role

in evaluating school programs across the state and nation. He is re-

garded as a people motivator, and is frequently called upon to conduct

seminars and workshops, and deliver motivational talks to educators,

business leaders and students. ■

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Th e City of Manassas Park, Virginia ambitiously expanded their ex-

isting lower elementary school campus. A new 10,500 gsf Pre-Kin-

dergarten serves 70 students, including special needs individuals. Th e

121,000 gsf Upper School houses up to 875 3rd, 4th and 5th grade

students. Th e project unites the existing lower school and historic

Camp Carondeiet via two new buildings that weave together existing

resources. Th e Pre-K spaces are sized for 4 and 5 year olds, including

a 4 foot high “entrance door” and window reading nooks oriented to

the adjacent Camp. Th e Camp is fully woven into the Upper School’s

architectural layout, maximizing the educational and recreational op-

portunities thereby engaging the community into the educational

components of the building.

Each room name has been themed after a local animal or plant. Th e

three academic “houses” are articulated as Summer, Fall or Spring via

room signage, way fi nding techniques and color schemes. Th e hall-

ways of each academic house are lined with a random pattern of clear

fi nish Poplar, Cherry, Ash, Maple, Red Oak and White Oak vertical

planks mixed with full length mirrors – giving the student the eff ect of

walking in the woods.

Innovative teaching techniques combine with a sustainable building

to provide opportunities not found in traditional school construction.

Spaces are tailored to accommodate the innovative “parallel block” aca-

demic system used by Manassas Park. All students receive large and

small group instruction in language, arts, and math, while

full time specialists teach science and social studies.

Rather than separating the 3rd, 4th and 5th graders into

the three “houses” of the building, each student is assigned

to a house for three years. Th is allows a smaller number

of teachers to build a multi-year relationship with a small

number of students.

Teaching extends outdoors with two courtyards. Ramp

access allows the top of the cistern to double as an out-

door classroom equipped with a colorful rain gauge and

large scale graphics explaining the hydrologic system and

the impact of rainwater harvesting. ■

■ A consolidated campus uniting Manassas Park Elementary School

with Cougar Elementary School maximizes shared resources.

■ Professional spaces bring educators together during a common

planning time to collaborate and share best teaching practices.

■ Each room is themed after a local animal or plant with ground

dwelling creatures on the fi rst fl oor, mid-canopy fl ora on the

second fl oor, and treetop/sky inhabitants on the third fl oor. Th is

feature increases students’ knowledge of the fl ora and fauna com-

monly found in Virginia.

■ Age appropriate signage illustrates the function and benefi ts of

the school’s ground source heat pump and rainwater harvesting

systems.

■ Instead of separating the 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders into the three

‘houses’ of the building, each student is assigned to a house for the

full three years. Th is allows a smaller number of teachers to build

a multi-year relationship with a smaller number of students. ■

BIOGRAPHIES OF SPEAKERS

Victoria Bergsagel— Victoria Bergsagel is passionate about

designing schools where ALL students

achieve. She founded and directs Ar-

chitects of Achievement, a network that

helps communities across the country

integrate the work of facility design

into school reform. Harvard-educated,

Victoria has been a high school teach-

er, counselor, principal, district administrator, adjunct professor, and

consultant to Microsoft on the implementation of laptop learning in

schools. As the Director of Educational Partnerships at Talaris Brain

Research Institute, she worked with an interdisciplinary team to con-

duct, integrate, and interpret some of the world’s leading brain research.

She now serves as a consultant, featured speaker, and design jurist for

clients ranging from school districts to national architectural organiza-

tions to education departments in the U.S. and abroad. Victoria sits on

the Board of Trustees for the Council of Educational Facilities Plan-

ners International Foundation & Charitable Trust and is the chair of

their International Research Committee. Victoria was recently named

to the League of Extraordinary School Designers. One of fi ve leaders

chosen by the American Institute of Architects Committee on Archi-

tecture for Education, she was the only educator selected for the honor

among a fi eld of architects. ■

Dr. Ritchie Carroll— Dr. Ritchie Carroll is in her fourteenth

year in Manassas Park City Schools.

Since coming to Manassas Park in 1996,

she served, simultaneously, as principal

of both Independence and Manassas

Park Elementary Schools for 4.5 years,

as principal of Cougar Elementary

School for 2.5 years and is in her 7th

year as the Associate Superintendent for Administrative Services. In

Manassas Park, she is primarily involved with recruiting and retain-

ing staff , ensuring that students are transported to school safely and

effi ciently, and maintaining the phenomenal teaching and learning fa-

cilities that have received numerous state and national awards for their

architectural design. As an elementary teacher and instructional leader

for a number of years, Dr. Carroll’s true passion is teaching and is

able to share her curricular knowledge, leadership experiences, and her

particular expertise with student and adult learners in various arenas.

Ritchie Carroll is a member of several professional and civic organiza-

tions and serves on the state-wide K-12 Advisory Council in conjunc-

tion with the University of Virginia to provide professional develop-

ment opportunities for current and aspiring administrators. Dr. Carroll

is the recipient of the two prestigious Washington Post annual awards

– the Agnes Meyer Outstanding Teacher and the Distinguished Edu-

cational Leader. She believes and demonstrates that “Real leaders are

just ordinary people with extraordinary determination.” ■

S C H E D U L E O F E V E N T S Tour GuidesA special thank you to our tour guides who generously volunteered to share their insights.

L e a d i n g a t t e n d e e s t h r o u g h M a n a s s a s P a r k E l e m e n t a r y S c h o o l

11:30 ARRIVAL AND REGISTRATION

12:00 INTERACTIVE TOURS

1:00 LUNCH

1:45 PRESENTATIONS

Dr. Th omas DeBolt - Mrs. Stacey Mamon - Dr. Ritchie Carroll

Th ree educational leaders from Manassas Park will share, “Th e Manas-

sas Park Schools Story – Meeting Past, Present, and Future Challenges.”

Th is inspiring story highlights the transformation of the community

over the last 33 years, describing the eleven key components that com-

prise the heart of the Manassas Park City Schools’ story.

Ms. Victoria Bergsagel

Th e founder and director of Architects of Acheivement, Victoria Ber-

glagel will present her analysis of the synergy between learning environ-

ments, building design, and community involvement.

2:45 PANEL DISCUSSIONS

3:15 Q&A

3:30 SHUTTLE DEPARTS FOR WASHINGTON, DC

Design Professionals Educators

Mr. Jon Shealy, LEED APIntern Architect, VMDO Architects, P.C.

Dr. Thomas H. DeBoltSuperintendent, Manassas Park City Schools

Mr. Robert W. Moje, AIA, LEED APMPES Principal-in-charge; Principal, VMDO Architects, P.C.

Ms. Kelly DumermuthTeacher of 4th & 5th grade Science, Ma-nassas Park Elementary School

Mr. Wyck Knox, AIA, LEED APMPES Project Architect; Staff Architect, VMDO Architects, P.C.

Dr. Ritchie CarrollAssociate Superintendent of Adminis-trative Services, Manassas Park City Schools

Mr. Kenneth A. Thacker, AIA, LEED AP Studio Director, Associate Principal, VMDO Architects, P.C.

Mr. Bruce McDadeAssociate Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, Manassas Park City Schools

Mr. Stephen B. Davis, AIA, Leed APDirector of Sustainable Design, Associ-ate, VMDO Architects, P.C.

Mrs. Stacey MamonPrincipal, Manassas Park Elementary School

Ms. Kelly D. Callahan, AIA Staff Architect, VMDO Architects, P.C.

Mrs. Melissa PittsAssistant Principal, Manassas Park Elementary School

Ms. Rebecca Stinnett, RA, LEED AP Staff Architect, VMDO Architects, P.C.

Mr. Scott BaldwinTeacher of 4th Grade, Manassas Park Elementary School

Stacey Mamon— Stacey Mamon is in her third year as

principal of Manassas Park Elementary

School. She has been with Manassas

Park City Schools since 1998, where

she has also served as an assistant prin-

cipal for three years and a classroom

teacher in grades K, 2 and 3. In 2002,

Mrs. Mamon became Manassas Park

City Schools’ fi rst National Board certifi ed teacher. She has also been

recognized by her peers as “Educator of the Year” and as a nominee

for the Washington Post Agnes Meyer Distinguished Teacher award.

Mrs. Mamon obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Educa-

tion from Pennsylvania State University and her Master’s degree in

Administration and Supervision from George Mason University.

Under Mrs. Mamon’s leadership, Manassas Park Elementary School

has earned full state accreditation and achieved AYP under NCLB.

She played an integral role in the design and construction process of

the new, LEED gold certifi ed Manassas Park Elementary School and

successfully led the faculty, staff and students into the new facility in

April 2009. Th roughout her career in Manassas Park City Schools, she

has been involved both as a teacher and an administrator in the imple-

mentation of the parallel block schedule, the design and facilitation of

data-driven staff development and the establishment of professional

learning communities. ■

Virginia Chapter

Involving the COmmunity in “it’s About the Students.”

CEFPI Virginia Chapter

Mid-Year Conference

Welcome to Manassas

Park Elementary School

D E S I G N E RS O F M A N AS SAS PA R K C IT Y S C HOO LS

200 E MARKET ST, CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA 22902PH : 434.296.5684, FX : 434.296.4496

www.vmdo.com

Virginia Chapter

804 W. Diamond Avenue, Suite 300 Gaithersburg, MD 20878T: 301.670.9000 | F: 9009 | W: hessconstruction.com

Come discover with us.

HESS Congratulates Manassas Park Elementary School

named by Mid-Atlantic Construction Best of 2009

K-12 Project of the Year

CEFPI Virginia Chap-

ter would like to ex-

tend its gratitude to

Manassas Park Elemen-

tary School for the use

of their facility.

VEFP BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Offi cers

Len Wright, President

Bill Bradley, Past President

Kathleen Langan, President-Elect

Keith Webb, Treasurer

Maureen Hannan, Secretary

Directors

Duane Harver

Scott Horan

Steve Hostetler

A.K. “Vijay” Ramnarain

Roger Richardson

State Director

John Hill