We are another week closer to the completion and opening of the new Perham High School, so we are taking time to introduce the different spaces and features of the facility. We started with the Commons, which is the large gathering space. Then we wrote about the academic wing with STEM & Humanities classrooms. In the last segment, we wrote about the Career & Technical Education component of the Career Tech Ed (CTE) Building. The other portion of that building is the Perham Area Learning Center.
The Career Tech Ed Building sits just to the north of the high school with a short connection between the two. The front side of the facility is the Perham Area Learning Center. The Area portion of the ALC title is significant. The program gives students opportunities from not only the Perham-Dent School District, but surrounding districts as well. The area learning center spaces allow for students to have more individualized instruction in smaller group learning environments. Students are able to self-pace in order to stay on track for graduation.
Although the ALC is on the campus and attached to the high school, it can function on its own. The space has its own restrooms and teaching kitchen, as well as offices and meetings rooms. Each of the classroom spaces are open to flexible seating arrangements for varying class sizes and independent study. The area learning center now has its own dedicated learning spaces for science and math, including a full science lab.
Because the facilities are attached, we can offer a hybrid model of education that is more efficient. ALC Students will be able to do their core at the learning center, but then take electives at PHS. By offering electives within the high school, students are given more opportunities to find coursework they are interested in. The ALC and CTE building will have a greater connection as well. Full-time ALC Students will get full exposure to career tech ed courses for two full blocks a day. This will give students the opportunity to explore career paths that they might be interested in when they have completed their high school education.
As always, the safety and security of our staff and students was a big factor in the design process. Each of our schools will have the same check in and check out process for visitors, and the security systems are linked. Students and visitors will have to be buzzed in and out of the building. The adjoining door between the two buildings aligns with the bell system, so the doors will only be open in between classes.
If you want to see these spaces for yourself, we encourage you to join us for the Perham High School Grand Opening on Sunday, September 26th. The doors will be open from 10am – 3pm with a formal dedication program at 1pm. We hope to see you there!
For more information on the building process, including photos and updates, click here!
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