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Vineland Demonstration Project This demonstration project proposed by the Vineland School District and the City of Vineland consists of a new pre-K through grade 5 elementary school and related educational and community design features (spaces that are used in common by students of the district and residents of the community), which is located in the center of downtown Vineland. A plethora of community design features, that were an outgrowth of an intensive year-long planning process that involved more than 40 stakeholder community groups/representatives, have been designed to provide athletic venues, health care, and areas for advanced learning for the students during regular school hours and the community after the school day. Administrative and funding assistance for the community design features are provided by several not-for-profit and community organizations, such as the Y.M.C.A., the South Jersey Healthcare System, and the Vineland Public Library, as well as other entities, including Boscov's Department Stores $1,000,000 donation. The school serves approximately 830 students and accommodates the students according to grade level. The types of educational programming supported by the community design features detailed below provide students with access to environmental science, computer and technology learning laboratories and distance learning programs. They also provide access to on-site support services including all day infant to two-year old childcare, a component of the district's "Impact" preschool program and a wellness center. The community design features/spaces include: A gymnasium for sports events/meetings during school hours and community events during non-school hours. *A swimming pool for students during school hours and available to supervised community groups during non-school hours. The City of Vineland’s Department of Public Works provide operating support during non-school hours. A new therapeutic "zero entry" pool for disabled students replaces an existing pool that is in leased facilities. The pool is approximately one-third the size of a recreational pool, shallow throughout, and features ramped access to the water. Facility management and program services for the community features are provided by the City. Students have access to the equipment on school grounds for supervised instruction. After school hours, City staff operate the area for the community. Computer laboratory facilities serve students during school hours and community educational programs on a fee-basis during non-school hours. The kitchen for the student cafeteria is available for use at athletic and public events by district-approved organizations. Community arts groups can utilize arts & craft areas within the school on a sliding-fee scale. A cafeteria/auditorium is available to community performing arts organizations and include an elevated stage and proscenium. A wellness center provides primary, preventative and dental health care for the students with operating support and staffing from Community Healthcare, Inc., a non-profit that is affiliated with the South Jersey Healthcare System. Outdoor play/athletic areas are available to the community during non-school hours. The district's library/media center house the Vineland Public Library's "Youth Reading Readiness” program and operated by the Library. Vineland's present infant to Pre-K IMPACT (ages 0-4) program was consolidated and operates from the new school site saving previous annual lease costs. *Note: The City of Vineland financed the community swimming pool and other spaces determined by the Department to be ineligible for State share funding using United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funds that are annually allocated to the City and the Cumberland Empowerment Zone. The demonstration project was managed by the City of Vineland acting as the Redevelopment Entity. The projects co-redevelopers were an association of Joseph Jingoli & Son, Inc., Tri-County Community Partnership and the Cumberland County Empowerment Zone Corporation. Joseph Jingoli & Son, Inc. provided CM/Contractor services and USA Architects, Planners and Interior Designers, P.A. lead the design team. A grand opening ceremony for the school was held December 15, 2007. |