Acoustical panels spaced along the walls and suspended from the ceiling create a dynamic geometric pattern surrounding the space. Adjacent to the main room, a series of individual practice suites accommodate one student or an entire musical ensemble.
Great Neck South High School is proud to be the recipient of the prestigious Grammy Foundation Award, honored as one of the most superior Music Departments in the country.
EM Baker Elementary School
With pre-war modular classrooms originally slated for a ten-year period, the passage of a district-wide bond finally allowed EM Baker to demolish the decaying wing and build a permanent two story, 16 classroom addition. Hallways lit by natural light define a pattern of dual alternating colors leading a path down the central hallways. Each classroom is defined by an entry cove on the exterior. Inside, classrooms are flooded with natural light as expansive windows line the far wall. Blue chalkboards, more soothing to the eye, have replaced the standard green. Casework lines the rear wall, housing numerous shelves and closets in response to the teachers’ continuous need for additional storage. A cluster of computers bring that activity to a designated area of the classroom, allowing ample room for desks, reading corner and play space. Each classroom is defined to be flexible allowing the teacher to define the layout and personalized educational environment.
Saddle Rock Elementary School
Four classrooms, lavatories, and a music room were added to the Saddle Rock Elementary School, but the most dramatic addition to this school was an expansion of their existing library. On the second floor, the library was extended to be flush to the existing exterior of the building, clad in aluminum panels in contrast to the red brick exterior, allowing the new library to become the focal point of the school. The interior space was expanded to accommodate increased storage for books as well as workspace, interactive areas, and computer facilities for the students.
John F. Kennedy Elementary School
The John F. Kennedy School, one of four elementary schools in the Great Neck District, added nine classrooms, a new music room, auxiliary gymnasium, and an expanded cafeteria as a result of a $28 million bond vote. The cafeteria features high ceilings complete with exposed ducts and joists throughout its length. The open-air effect is accentuated by a wall of windows allowing natural light to penetrate the space. A new kitchen and servery provide optimal functionality to the space, while increased seating accommodates current and anticipated population growth. A covered glass link was created connecting old parts of the structure to the new; exposed beams and a vaulted ceiling are contemporary elements bridging the old school with the new design.
A new technological infrastructure facilitates communication, instruction, research activities and collaborative curriculum projects between classrooms, schools, and outside sources.
