K-12 Public Schools

Deans Mill & West Vine Schools

Stonington, CT

DRA’s study team completed an existing conditions analysis for six schools and the central office. We developed options to address declining enrollments, aging school buildings, 21st century educational needs, space utilization concerns, parking and traffic issues, improved efficiency, flexibility, and safety. Stonington voters overwhelmingly endorsed the $69 million bond to renovate West Vine Street School, Deans Mill School and replace the roof at Pawcatuck Middle School.

West Vine:
The cafeteria/gymnasium was converted to a cafeteria / large assembly space with a large screen, projector, and sound system. Classrooms were renovated, and continue to serve as classrooms, with a special education classroom on the second floor. Administrative spaces were reconfigured to be restrooms and classroom and the entry way was infilled and converted to serve as special education offices and the teacher’s work room.

The new addition houses an administrative suite which provides control over the entry to the building and has a nurse’s suite designed to address the needs of elementary school students. There are Pre-K and K classrooms with toilets integral to the classroom design. A new gymnasium with a regulation size basketball court and a folding partition allows the room to be divided into two spaces for concurrent use. The gym also features two large screens and projectors along with a sound system. A specialty music room was designed with adjacent storage and acoustical separation from other learning areas within the building.

The library / media center is located on the second floor with an integral STEM / Maker Space and a computer lab. The library has a large flat panel display as well as a projection screen and projector.
The second floor also houses classrooms for grades 3 – 5 and an art room with adjacent kiln room and storage.

Deans Mill:
The cafeteria/gymnasium was transformed into a cafeteria / large assembly space. Classrooms on both floors were renovated, and continue to serve as classrooms, with two special education classrooms on the second floor. One existing classroom on the first floor was reconfigured for special education offices and conference room. The administrative spaces were reconfigured to be restrooms and teacher’s work room.

The new addition houses an administrative suite which provides control over the entry to the building and has a nurse’s suite designed to address the needs of elementary school students. There are Pre-K and K classrooms with toilets integral to the classroom design. A new gymnasium with a regulation size basketball court and a folding partition allows the room to be divided into two spaces for concurrent use. The gym also features two large screens and projectors along with a sound system. A specialty music room was designed with adjacent storage and acoustical separation from other learning areas within the building.

The library / media center is located on the second floor with an integral STEM / Maker Space and a computer lab. The library has a large flat panel display as well as a projection screen and projector. The second floor also houses classrooms for grades 3 – 5 and an art room with adjacent kiln room and storage.