School Renovation -- What's Your Idea?!

We are very excited at our very old elementary (once a high school actually) because we are going to have major renovations starting at the end of next year. We will be adding classrooms, a cafeteria, a kitchen, lobby, windows, heating, plumbing, furniture, etc. I know that renovation often means lots of groans due to disruptions and noise, but I want it to be a positive experience for my students.

My fifth graders next fall are going to be completing a project that integrates writing, math, and technology. The district has already given my students permission to develop proposals for what they would like to see in the renovation. We are going to visit other elementary schools to check-out lobbies, cafeterias, classrooms, music rooms, art rooms, libraries, and bathrooms. At each school they will find the dimensions of each room, take pictures, and videotape. They are also going to interview our teachers to get their suggestions. Then, each group will choose an area, such as the library, and build a presentation of pictures and computer drawings (We are already using some simple scale drawing software to design rooms and add windows and doors.). The proposals will then be presented to school district officials and the architects. We are hoping that some of our suggestions will be used! I work with low income students with low self-esteems. I believe that enabling the students to visit other schools, bring back ideas, develop a proposal, and then present before a real-life audience will enable these students to grow both academically and socially.