Moving the Dirt.....Again

Before the workers can build a footer and prepare to pour the new foundation for the six demolished classrooms, they have to make sure that the soil that it sits on will provide the best support.  At this point, they are now leveling and getting it ready for the next step. 



This view is from the location of our old portables. 



Outside Water Pipes

Our new building will also have all new water pipes and even a new fire hydrant. 

This work is being done on the Cardinal Lane side of the parking lot.  They are preparing to lay new water pipes.

The jackhammer breaks up the pavement and the bucket scoops it away. 

Working side by side.

After the pipe has been laid the workers fill it in the trench with gravel. 

This view shows the trench, pile of blacktop, and trenches that continue onto the grassy area. 

Stacks of pipe waiting to be laid. 

Our first new, bright yellow fire hydrant. 

Ground Work

Thanks goes out to Lars Finneseth, FCPS Project Coordinator for Construction Projects and also a Clays Mill parent.  Mr. Finneseth was able to give me an update and some explanations as to the current work being completed.

Now that the small classrooms are gone there is much work to be done to the land itself in order to begin rebuilding.  Notice that all the sidewalks and blacktop areas have been removed. 

This view is from where the Rosies were stored by the gazebo back door.  They are now being stored by what used to be Mrs. Harrington's classroom.  Notice that there is no sidewalk and the wrought iron railing is on the ground by the Rosies. 



A view of the gazebo area.  No railing or sidewalks are left and some of the trees have had to be cut back.  At this time, I am unsure of the future of the gazebo. 



This is what is left after the backhoes broke up the floor from the small classrooms. 

This view is from the bus lane sidewalk looking at where the old portables used to be.  There is no longer any foundation from the classrooms, sidewalks, swing area, or blacktop primary playground area.

Workers are now busy removing all of the top soil from the work area.  They will use fill dirt that was transported from the new Keithshire Elementary site to fill in the hole as they construct the flooring for the new classrooms. 

View from atop the fill dirt by the bus lane. 

This view is from the door of the intermediate hallway.  This is the former site of the old portables.  Workers are bringing all of the top soil to this location. 

This view is from the top of the steps to the intermediate playground.  Look at the back of the photo and you will see a makeshift 'road' that the dump truck would take to bring the dirt around and fill the middle.  According to Mr. Finneseth, the area that is being covered will ultimately be a more level area than when they began. 

Another view facing toward the front of Mary Queen's parking lot.