Northwestern building plan moves forward

Also, Ivy Tech to host ‘Guiding Light’ dementia care program

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The Northwestern School Corp. will spend approximately $53 million for a far-reaching plan that includes new construction and upgrading existing facilities for almost every building in the corporation. At the July Board of Trustees meeting, Director of Operations Jeff Layden revealed to the board what they will be getting for their money in a PowerPoint presentation with architectural layouts and computer-generated views of the proposed exteriors and classrooms. 

This was a culmination of two years of work, according to Northwestern Superintendent Kristen Bilkey.

The presentation included everything from enhanced security for buildings, digitally controlled classroom door latches, fire alarms, and intercom systems for every building, including Howard Elementary, Northwestern Elementary, and the high school.

A big part of construction will include ADA accessibility at Howard and other parts of the Northwestern campus at 400 West. Part of the plan is also re-lining pickup areas and installing fencing to “keep the students far away from the cars,” for safety said Layden.

The director of operations showed computer illustrations provided by Schmidt and Associates, the project’s architectural firm, of art classrooms at Howard, a revamped playground for Northwestern Elementary, and a brand-new entryway for Northwestern Middle School.

Also, the old administration building and the athletic field are slated for upgrades in maintenance storage, with new press and ticket boxes as part of that plan as well. The upgraded cafeteria will have new entry points, seating, and a large video wall with several monitors for student information and other presentations.

Layden stated that the request for bids will be made in mid-August, with acceptance and breaking ground by November of this year.

Emphasizing that “this is a process,” Layden agreed with Bilkey that these are just the beginning stages. When asked by board member Janet Lovelace when the project would finish, Layden said that construction hopefully will be completed by late 2025.

Lovelace was also concerned about construction and renovations affecting school operations this fall. Layden assured the board that no one will have to move around classrooms until after the fall semester of 2023 as the new construction at the middle school and Howard Elementary will come first before work on the present facilities.

For the rest of the upgrades, “We will try to get as much done as we can next summer,” Layden remarked, noting that there will be some inconvenience to all involved for a period of time.

“We will have to go with the flow,” he said.

Ivy Tech Kokomo offers free dementia care support program July 21

The Dementia Care Program at Ivy Tech Community College Kokomo is presenting a free event Friday, July 21, titled “Guiding Light: Supporting Family Caregivers on the Dementia Journey.” The two-hour program is open without charge to anyone interested or involved in care of people living with dementia.

The event is set for 10 a.m. to noon in Room H812 of the Health Professions Center at 1901 E. Morgan St.

“This is designed to be a compassionate event dedicated to providing resources, education, and support for family caregivers of individuals living with dementia,” said program chair Faith Weesner. “We aim to create an atmosphere of warmth, understanding, and empowerment, illuminating the path for caregivers as they navigate the challenges and joys of caregiving.”

Speakers will be on hand to offer practical advice for family caregivers and to teach effective techniques for managing caregivers’ stress and maintaining emotional well-being. Participants will explore approaches to maintain meaningful connections with loved ones with dementia and learn about local organizations, support services and community resources specializing in dementia care.

“We want caregivers to leave with a renewed sense of purpose, strength and community,” Weesner said.

For more information on this event or Ivy Tech Kokomo’s Dementia Care Program, contact Faith Weesner, RN, at 765-513-7932.