Nearly four years after key parts of the Ojai Valley School Upper Campus burned in the Thomas Fire, the new buildings meant to replace those lost in the blaze finally opened to students this week.
“We finally have students in the new buildings and it feels great,” said OVS Head of Upper Campus Craig Floyd.
The new Aramont Science & Technology Center and the Grace Hobson Smith House not only replaced the buildings that burned to the ground, they provide upgraded facilities and expanded and permanent spaces for classes such as physics, robotics, music and much more.
The new construction also includes the creation of a Student Commons that features an expanded dining hall and kitchen, a new library and new offices for the Learning Center, the Student Store and college counseling.
Both the students’ and teachers’ energy toward the new buildings is nothing short of ecstatic.
Chemistry teacher Nancy Sackett lost her classroom back in 2017 and finally got to move into her new room just days before school opened to students on Monday, August 30.
The school worked hard to get the buildings up and running before the launch of the 2021-22 school year, with faculty and staff from both campuses, past and current parents, and the mighty maintenance team working long hours to prepare the buildings for occupancy.
This did not curb anyone’s enthusiasm.
“Imagine the labs we can do now,” exclaimed Mrs. Sackett, grinning and gesturing to her lovely Room 24.
Attached to the science center is Room 26, the new music room, which has sprung to life under direction of music teacher John Boyd, who orchestrated the migration of drums, keyboards and other instruments into the space.
Resident girls moved into their new dorm rooms the weekend before school officially started. Each girls dorm room is equipped with a million dollar view of the Ojai Valley.
“This space is a perfect place to make my home away from home,” said junior dormer Hope Henderson.
Before the buildings were actively being used. the girls dorm was located down the hill, and students had classes both up and down the hill.
“Last year was so spread out,” said sophomore Karin Hahn. “This year I feel more connected to more people because the classrooms are centralized.”
