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Staff in front of library with scissors for ribbon cutting

Susquehannock High School Building Renovation

After years of planning, Southern York County School District began the physical construction and renovations at Susquehannock High School in early 2022. The new addition, which houses the new cafeteria, library, music wing, classrooms, and commons area, opened to students in the fall of 2023. The entire project, completed in three phases and finished in the fall of 2024, also included renovations to the gymnasium, auxiliary gymnasium, auditorium, and existing classrooms. 

The Commons: 

  • Collaborative spaces for students and staff
  • Open-faced steel and lighting are a tribute to the the historic importance of local railroads and industry
  • Arteries with quick access to popular areas, including the library, cafeteria, auditorium, gymnasium, counseling, office and health room

Library:

  • Small study spaces
  • Wheeled bookshelves to create flexibility in the space
  • The building’s support structure is designed to allow for two additional classrooms on the top floor.
  • Doors opening to the Commons to provide additional seating space for events held in the Commons
  • Connectivity to the student-run tech shed

Cafeteria:

  • Lots of natural light in response to student feedback
  • A fenced outdoor area
  • Space for large group instruction
  • Flexible seating options
  • Sound and video capability for presentations

Auditorium:

  • Addition of audio assistive devices
  • Control booth on the main level (more accessible than the second floor)
  • Increased accessibility with addition of ramp connecting to music rooms
  • Flooring that is lit and is easier to maintain

Typical Classroom:

  • Standardized size for classrooms - “ed spec”
  • Standard features for projection and boards
  • Focus on accessibility for all students
  • Flexibility for room rearrangement to support various room set-ups

Science Classroom:

  • Accessibility for all students
  • Safety features
  • Balanced design for classroom and laboratory work
  • Technology updates
  • Opportunities for collaboration

Art Rooms:

  • Adjacent rooms - the art rooms (photography -digital and traditional) are now on the same building level
  • The addition of a kiln for 3D/clay programming
  • Maintenance of a dark room for film development
  • An abundance of natural light
  • Seating allowing for increased collaboration
  • Places to display student artwork throughout the school year

Music Wing:

  • Common office for music educators to collaborate
  • Practice rooms for students to work in small groups (or expand into spaces for other music programming)
  • Separate rooms for the band, chorus, and orchestra
  • Ramp access to the auditorium for performances
  • Easy access to the outside for the marching band
  • Music instrument and choir robe storage
  • Flexible room design to meet program needs

Auxiliary Gymnasium:

  • Separate shops with connections for collaboration
  • Designed in consultation with local industry
  • Programming fueled by occupational advisory committees composed of relevant, local professionals
  • Shops and instructional spaces are designed to provide flexible work spaces
  • Outdoor, covered workspace provides “oversized project” space

Culinary and Childcare Classrooms:

  • Modernized culinary equipment reflective of equipment found in professional culinary workspaces and restaurants
  • Space for group work and collaboration
  • Open design allowing for easy access and viewing between culinary and childcare classrooms
  • Access to enclosed outdoor play area for preschool students

Technology Education:

  • Separate shops with connections for collaboration
  • Designed in consultation with local industry
  • Programming fueled by occupational advisory committees composed of relevant, local professionals
  • Shops and instructional spaces are designed to provide flexible work spaces
  • Outdoor, covered workspace provides “oversized project” space

Technology Upgrades:

  • Upgraded WiFi throughout the building
  • Upgraded network infrastructure
  • Upgraded classroom projectors
  • Installation of restroom vape detectors

Facility Infrastructure:

  • Improved safety and security features
  • Improved fire-exit stair towers
  • Separation of bus traffic from car traffic
  • Incorporated canopies for protection from weather
  • Improved accessibility & additional elevator access
  • Energy-efficient mechanical and electrical systems
  • LED/motion sensed lighting
  • Better natural daylighting throughout the building
  • Dehumidification incorporated into HVAC system
  • Incorporated flooring materials for cleaning efficiency