Celebrate School Innovation Lab Award

Assembly Resolution No. 367 BY: M. of A. Gunther CONGRATULATING Middletown High School Innovation Labs upon the occasion of its designation as recipient of the Excelsior Award by the American Institute of Architects, New York State WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and commend those institutions of commitment and high achievement whose purpose and endeavors prove a dedication to the pursuit of excellence in the education of the youth of this noble Empire State; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate Middletown High School Innovation Labs upon the occasion of its designation as recipient of the Excelsior Award by the American Institute of Architects, New York State, to be celebrated on Tuesday,

May 7, 2019; and WHEREAS, American Institute of Architects, New York State, in partnership with the New York State contracting agencies, created the Excelsior Awards to provide a model of excellence for state-funded building design, professional practice, and advocacy; the projects are a reflection of the collaborative efficacy of the design and construction team; and WHEREAS, Middletown High School Innovation Labs received this award of merit for its extraordinary architectural design; and WHEREAS, Classified as high needs and high poverty, the Enlarged City School District of Middletown was determined to 'build out the feeling of poverty' and create a larger vision of a high school which did not feel economically restrained; and WHEREAS, The project developed a 10,000 square foot, technology infused, learning commons at the high school's center as well as a

28,000 square foot addition with an innovation space, new entry sequence and connection to a new classroom wing; and WHEREAS, The first addition includes a learning commons which features a range of next generation learning spaces, including a large innovation lab with a 16-panel viewing screen; student's work can be projected from the individual stations onto the larger platform for discussion and collaboration; and WHEREAS, Furthermore, a glass wall between the learning suite and the corridor creates a gallery space for displaying student work; and WHEREAS, A second addition created a third-floor innovation space with break out meeting and small group spaces, a new main entry sequence and connection to a new classroom wing; the innovation lab also utilizes glass walls and window walls to create a striking, open, light filled space; and WHEREAS, Adjacent breakout spaces feature graffiti walls, desk and technology space and moveable furniture to facilitate small group collaboration; and WHEREAS, The new main entry sequence, positioned directly below the third-floor innovation space, provides a distinct sense of arrival and identity while creating a single secure point of access; and WHEREAS, Instrumental in bringing the Middletown High School Innovation Labs to fruition was KG+D Architects, Triton Construction, Gerard Associates, St. Germain & Aupperle Consulting Engineers and Goldstick Lighting Design; and WHEREAS, The social value of these dynamic new spaces created learning environments which reflect the district's investment in each Middletown student's inherent potential; the renewed and expanded high school provides a range of advanced and practical education spaces which will allow students to obtain a competitive edge in the increasingly competitive global marketplace; and WHEREAS, The Enlarged City School District of Middletown is proudly aware of its distinguished past, eager to fulfill its present commitment to parents, students and the community, and planning with vision and purpose for the ebb and swell of growth and change it will encounter in the years to come; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to congratulate Middletown High School Innovation Labs upon the occasion of its designation as recipient of the Excelsior Award by the American Institute of Architects, New York State; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Middletown High School Innovation Labs.