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Newton School Board: Elementary School Const & Athlete Recog

2024-12-09

Newton's educational landscape is abuzz with significant activities. The construction projects at Aurora Heights and Thomas Jefferson elementary schools are making notable progress, and the recognition of state qualifying athletes and teams adds a special touch to tonight's Newton School Board meeting. Superintendent Tom Messenger highlights the increased work since Thanksgiving at both construction sites and encourages those interested to follow the updates on the school district's website.

Special Recognition for State Qualifying Athletes and Teams

This evening, the Newton School Board will bestow special recognition on the state qualifying football team, as well as the boys and girls cross country runners and Newton Colfax-Mingo Pella swimmers. These athletes have achieved remarkable feats and deserve to be celebrated for their hard work and dedication. Their accomplishments serve as an inspiration to the entire school community.

Construction Progress at Aurora Heights

At Aurora Heights, the construction team has been working diligently. The foundation is now firmly in place, and the framework for the new buildings is taking shape. The use of high-quality materials ensures the durability and safety of the structures. The progress can be seen in the detailed plans and the on-site activities. The team is committed to meeting the scheduled timelines and delivering a top-notch educational facility.The new classrooms will be equipped with modern teaching tools and technologies, providing students with an enhanced learning environment. The design focuses on maximizing natural light and creating a comfortable space for both students and teachers. The attention to detail in the construction process is evident, and it is clear that the school will be a pride of the community.

Construction Progress at Thomas Jefferson Elementary School

At Thomas Jefferson Elementary School, the construction is also progressing smoothly. The renovation work is transforming the existing building into a state-of-the-art educational facility. The classrooms are being updated with new furniture and equipment, while the outdoor spaces are being enhanced for outdoor learning and play.The safety features are being incorporated throughout the construction, ensuring the well-being of the students. The new playground areas will provide a safe and enjoyable space for children to interact and have fun. The attention to detail in the design and construction is remarkable, and it is clear that the school will be a welcoming and inspiring place for students to learn.

In a significant development for Salve Regina University, an agreement with neighbors and the City of Newport has paved the way for the construction and opening of a brand new on-campus residence hall. This announcement holds great importance for the university and its students, marking a new chapter in campus life.

Salve Regina's Campus Expansion: A New Residence Hall on the Horizon

Construction Timeline

The university has made it clear that construction of the new residence hall is set to commence in spring 2025. This marks the beginning of a transformative project that will bring significant changes to the campus. By fall 2026, students will have the joy of moving into this state-of-the-art facility. The anticipation among the student community is palpable as they look forward to calling this new residence hall their home.

The location of the new residence hall on the corner of Shepard and Lawrence Avenues, near the historic William Watts Sherman House, adds to its charm and significance. It will be a central part of the campus, providing easy access to various academic and recreational facilities.

Facility Details

The new residence hall is designed to accommodate 205 undergraduate students, offering them a comfortable and modern living environment. The state-of-the-art facilities within the building will include well-appointed rooms, common areas for socializing and studying, and modern amenities to enhance the overall living experience.

President Kelli J. Armstrong expressed gratitude for the agreement with neighbors and the city, emphasizing that the new residence hall will be a wonderful addition to the campus and the local community. It will foster a sense of community among students and create lasting memories.

Settlement Agreement Highlights

As part of the settlement agreement, the university has taken several steps to ensure the well-being of the community. One of the key provisions is the addition of sidewalks to Shepard Avenue to promote pedestrian safety. This initiative shows the university's commitment to the safety and well-being of its students and the surrounding neighborhood.

Additionally, a second property on Victoria Avenue has been earmarked for potential redevelopment as a natural grass athletic field, which is expected to be used for softball. This demonstrates the university's dedication to providing a well-rounded educational experience with opportunities for physical activity.

Usage Restrictions and Future Plans

Once the Watts Dormitory is constructed, it will be used exclusively as a dormitory for Salve students during the school year. During the summer break, the building will be available for educational conferences, but it will be prohibited from being occupied by undergraduate students, high school students, or anyone under the age of 21. However, a maximum of 10 undergraduate students can live there during the summer months if they are employed by the university or have work study jobs.

The agreement also places limitations on future dormitory construction in the area. The university has agreed not to construct a dormitory or any new structure on the site that was slated for Wallace Dormitory. Furthermore, it will not construct anything on a property east of one owned by the Cervasios through Whitty's Way LLC.

We often overlook the built-world industry as a hotbed of technological innovation. Peering through the fencing of a construction site, one might be surprised to find that the scene has remained relatively unchanged for decades. Heavy machinery, workers in high-vis jackets, and good old-fashioned mud still dominate. Major construction companies lead the projects, supported by numerous subcontractors. On the surface, it seems there's little room for ambitious tech startups.

Discover the Hidden Tech Potential in the Built World

Global Figures and UK's Standing

According to global figures from European venture capital firm NOA, startups in the "built world" sector are set to secure $24 billion in investment this year, with $21.1 billion already raised. In the UK, built-world companies have raised $1.2 billion so far, with London leading in deal volume. This shows that there is indeed potential for growth and innovation in this seemingly traditional industry.

The Importance of the Sector

As NOA founder Gregory Dewerpe emphasizes, everyone on the planet is affected by the built-world sector in various ways. Financially, physically, psychologically, or otherwise. It's not just about buildings; it's about the energy that goes into them and how to decarbonize it. Resource efficiency is also crucial, such as dealing with the end-of-life of building assets like batteries and solar panels.

Sector Overlap and Investment Trends

There is a significant crossover between startups in the built world and those in other segments like climate. Decarbonization is a major theme, with an 10% increase in investment in electrification technologies driven by smart grid technology. Robotics, too, has seen an increase in investment, with a 61% rise in industrial automation funding and an 890% jump in capital for building operations robotics.

New Technological Capabilities

There are fascinating advancements in robotics and AI. Robots are becoming smarter and more user-friendly. The emergence of 5G is also creating a technology infrastructure that makes building and scaling easier. Additionally, it can make hardware development cheaper while still maintaining an asset-light business model.

Must-Have Technologies for the Industry

NOA is looking for startups that offer "must-have" solutions to the industry. These are solutions that deliver a clear return on investment (ROI) for the end user, whether it's in operational efficiency, financial efficiency, or system capability improvement. If a startup can provide one of these, there will be a budget and a willingness to adopt.

Real-World Examples

Marius Westhoff, co-founder of Smalt, identified a significant labor shortage in the industry. In Germany alone, there is a shortage of around 700,000 individuals to carry out installations. Smalt raised €8 million to train unskilled workers using new age tech and education models. The trainees become part of installation squads, and the operation is supported by step-by-step workflow tools. This shows how startups can address real industry pain points.

Pitching to Long-Established Businesses

Successfully pitching to long-established businesses in a conservative sector requires listening to them. Understanding their pain points and how startups can work together to solve them is crucial. It involves weeks and months of discussions with potential customers to identify key problems. Once a customer is interested, there is an opportunity to build a relationship and establish an innovation journey together.