Work on the Campus Plan Continues

Developing the SSMO Campus Plan:
Creating a Vision for the 21 ^st Century
In 2001, the Sisters' newly elected Leadership Team, working in partnership with their Advisory Council and Soderstrom Architects, developed a comprehensive and cohesive campus plan to meet the needs of the growing region while staying true to their core values and ministries. The resulting vision was a series of strategically phased building and renovation projects taking place over the next 50 years at an approximate cost of $65 million.

The Athletic Phase:
The Valley Catholic Athletic Facility
Completed in May 2006 at a cost of $6.8 million, the addition of a new double-gym and refurbished track has allowed both Valley Catholic and St. Mary of the Valley to meet the demands of their growing athletic programs and teams, as well as provide vital community gathering space for the schools and campus community.

The state-of-the-art facility includes a new double gymnasium, eight-lane track, team locker rooms, weight room, multi-purpose room and lobby. The gym is used for physical education classes, athletic practices and competitions, all-school events including Masses, dances and fundraisers. Seating is available for 1,000 spectators in two banks of 500 seats. Spotlights, a multi-functional sound system, a portable stage and retractable hanging mechanisms are all designed to enhance special events.

The new outdoor track is competition-ready, having been converted from a 400 yard to a 400 meter track. A new 100 meter straight stretch offers better warm-up for hurdle competitions and redesigned jump lanes and pits provide for maximum performance even when wind directions shift.

The Academic Phase:
The SSMO K-8 Education Center
Our New K-5 Elementary and 6-8 Middle School Facility
With the completion of the new athletic facility, the Sisters are ready to start on the next phase of their campus plan — the new K-8 Education Center. Currently in architectural design and development, and at a projected cost of $20 million, the new 70,000 square-foot school will provide families and the local community a modern facility to educate and prepare our children for service and leadership in the 21^st century.

Once completed, the K-8 Education Center will provide students with the quality education programs and opportunities they are accustomed to and more: expanded full-day kindergarten program; technology, mathematics and science curricula while utilizing modern state-of-the-art labs and equipment; cafeteria environment which is open, full of natural light and fresh air; sixth-graders will have the opportunity to participate in middle school academic and extra curricular activities; middle school students will be able to continue to participate in high school level classes and advanced programs; students and families will have the opportunity to participate in special religious, cultural and academic activities and celebrations in the new community spaces, such as the multi-purpose room and library.

In addition, this state-of-the-art facility will feature:

• modern state-of-art science classrooms and prep labs
• two modern state-of-art technology/computer classrooms
• campus information/technology server and service center
• multiple 'Wi-Fi' access points throughout the entire facility
• modern mathematics classroom
• expanded library and media resource center
• 16 modern classrooms
• centralized administration and faculty offices
• music room and instrument storage facility
• dedicated chapel for small group/individual class worship and services
• expanded dining room and community space
• new teacher work-rooms
• new parent work-room
• modern kitchen and food service facility
• new student government conference room
• sustainable ('green') construction and energy efficient design and mechanical systems
• new parking areas and road enhancements for improved traffic flow during student 'drop off and pick up'

Serving the needs of the schools' current enrollment capacity, this new facility will significantly enhance the educational infrastructure available to faculty, staff and students. Students will have increased access to technology in their classrooms since the facility will be wired to support distance learning, Internet access, and acoustical and security needs. In addition, the new SSMO Educational Center will also make use of a centralized campus kitchen facility.

Currently, the Sisters and Foundation staff are determining and identifying leadership funding opportunities for the project. Their intention is to break ground once 85% of the funding has been pledged or secured.