Dear Bombers -
This past summer we had roof work completed at the middle school and high school. While reviewing the progress of the roof work, we noticed that there was a gap along some of the upper windows on the south side of Kimler Gym where the brick appeared to be separated and bowing outward. As we looked further into the situation, we had concerns with the appearance of the wall on the outside and inside. We contacted a structural engineer to investigate and provide us with a report of their findings. After multiple site visits and analysis, the engineering firm provided their initial report to us on September 10. The report identified concerns that specifically cited north and south walls of Kimler Gym being out of plumb, tension rods connecting the north and south walls not functioning properly, and other minor issues. They also recommended additional steps to further understand the overall impact and extent of their noted concerns. Their recommendations included a 3D scan of the walls to fully understand the composition of the walls and any reinforcements provided during initial construction in 1952.
On September 18, we met with representatives from the structural engineering company and from Christy Foltz Construction. The walls were scanned on September 28 and we received an updated report from the structural engineer based on those scans this morning.
The news is not good and not what any of us wanted to hear. The scans confirmed the initial findings that the north and south walls are leaning outward at the top. The scans also revealed that the makeup (size of brick and block) of the walls are not as sturdy as they had hoped and do not include structural reinforcements such as rebar. Additionally, the scans confirmed that the north - south tension bars were never properly anchored into the block or brick and therefore not effective. Kimler Gym was constructed nearly 70 years ago and building codes over the years have changed significantly.
The report stated, “...we do not feel that it is safe to occupy the gym and recommend that occupancy be restricted until a fix can be constructed.”
As of today, October 6, 2020 we are closing Kimler Gym while we await proposed solutions from the structural engineering company, architects, and construction company.
Juniors & Junior Parents: There is a sign-up form in the student's email for the upcoming PSAT/NMSQT on Wednesday, Oct. 14. This is the last formal pre-test before the April SAT & the qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship Program. Please respond by Friday, Oct. 9.
Upcoming opportunities in the guidance office:
Go to the Scholarships page on the guidance website to see a new scholarship opportunity: https://www.argenta-oreana.org/o/ao-high-school/page/scholarships--426
Here is a summary of the presentation on financial aid last night. We had a great turnout; thank you to all who attended! There are screenshots below, or you can click https://5il.co/lgmq to go to the document to use the embedded links. The FAFSA opens next Thursday, October 1.
JUNIORS-- it's your turn! Here is information on the upcoming PSAT/NMSQT, the last official pre-SAT test and the qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship Program, which is being offered on October 14 at AOHS. There will be an RSVP form sent out in the next couple weeks. https://5il.co/ldj1
Seniors/Parents: If you haven't completed a FAFSA (Free App for Federal Student Aid) in the last 5 years or so, it would be beneficial to attend the virtual presentation on the Financial Aid Process tonight at 5pm. Mrs. Mendez will send the link to student/parent emails shortly. You do not have to turn your camera/microphone on. If you don't get the link, please contact us as soon as possible.
There is a Virtual CAREER Information Session available with the Plumbers & Pipefitters Apprenticeship Coordinator for ALL high school students. Apprenticeships are a great alternative to college for those who prefer to learn hands-on and earn a salary while doing it. Email Mrs. Mendez at amendez@argenta-oreana.org if you'd like to attend!
SENIORS-- Please fill out the short form in your email from Mrs. Mendez ASAP. We are taking roll call for the SAT next week on 9/23.
Juniors & Seniors: Tomorrow kicks off our virtual college information sessions with Lindenwood University! Email Mrs. Mendez at amendez@argenta-oreana.org if you'd like to attend with Lindenwood, or with any other universities listed below. All sessions are at 2:00pm.
19 years. Never forget.
Seniors-- If you're coming to pick up your yearbook tomorrow, grab an SAT Student Guide while you're at it! The SAT is on September 23. The guides will be inside the high school doors. One book per student, please.
The AOHS September Newsletter is available.
#WEareAO
https://www.smore.com/87azs
Seniors, need information on the FAFSA? Virtual Financial Aid Night is Thursday September 24 at 5pm. See the flyer below or click https://5il.co/kldp.
Colleges are beginning to schedule virtual information sessions for AO juniors & seniors. Lindenwood University is hosting a session on Tuesday, September 15, at 2pm. Invitations were sent out today to students' emails!
Go to AOHS>Guidance Counseling>College & Careers to see a list of scheduled sessions.
Seniors and Senior Parents: Click the link below or view the screenshots for information on the upcoming SAT, including resources for prep.
https://5il.co/k5vi
Seniors and Senior Parents: Click the link below or view the screenshots for information on the upcoming SAT, including resources for prep.
https://5il.co/k5vi
Happy first day of school, Bombers! We hope everyone is off to a great start in remote learning. Remember, we are all here to help. #WEareAO
The AOHS 20-21 Remote Learning overview is available at the link below.
#WEareAO
https://docs.google.com/document/d/17PEhCbtK8fdCcnbOZAOCxJUocPVQSmJjIncO1ZygjR8/edit
Thank you to everyone that stopped by AOHS tonight to pick up materials! It was awesome to see so many of you. Thank you for your patience and cooperation.
We will be back at it from 10am-12pm tomorrow.
#WEareAO