As many home and business owners are aware, capital investments are a critical part of life. Facility upgrades and improvements at Wildwood Catholic Academy are ongoing necessities for us to do our business and fulfill our mission of educating our young people in a safe and nurturing environment.
Here are some of the important projects that have been addressed, or will be in the future:
1. Technology upgrades:
a) All teachers and professional staff received new technology tools to provide for the ever-changing landscape of in-person, virtual and blended approaches to learning. Here you see teachers using new laptops with integrated cameras. These devices were critical tools as they were the gateway to bring our virtual learners into the classroom.
b) Completing a construction project with Comcast to upgrade to fiber internet throughout the building enabled a smoother online experience for teachers and students within the building as well as a smoother stream to students opting for virtual learning or temporarily needing it because of quarantine requirements.
c) Still to come is the upgrade to our phone system that will provide a single system for both upper and lower divisions of the school. Currently, calling between divisions is an outside call. This Voice Over IP upgrade will also provide each teacher with a dedicated number and voicemail box. This provides a greater security to our communication system and will be cost-effective in the long run. Hopefully, this will be installed at the end of the current school year.
2. Elevator repair and realignment:
Keeping an old system in good working condition to be accessible for staff and students in need, and to facilitate movement of equipment and materials between floors.
3. Ventilation and Air Conditioning:
Two brand-new air conditioning and heating units for the auditorium will be installed over the Easter break. Not only does this ensure a comfortable learning and performing space for students throughout the academic year, it enables the space to be utilized during the summer season.