Make Safety Improvements at Elementary School, Including Lockdown Capabilities

It's important that all elementary students in Hockinson have access to safe, modern facilities for learning. According to district-wide family surveys this year, the following are priority safety and usability improvements at the existing HHES site:

Building Lockdown Functionality

There is currently no capability to automatically secure exterior doors during a lockdown situation at HHES. In a recent family survey, respondents identified improving building lockdown functionality as a top priority.

Elimination of Portable Classrooms

Due to overcrowding, nearly one-third of all HHES students currently spend most of their school day in one of the school’s 24 portable classrooms. 

These portable classrooms aren’t designed for permanent use. They have fewer safety features and are inefficient to heat and cool. Because they are disconnected from the main school building, students spend valuable instructional time walking outdoors in the weather to get from class to class.

Improved Traffic Flow

The committee is researching options to mprove bus access, reduce congestion, and improve traffic flow. In a recent district-wide family survey, 61.2% of respondents said that traffic congestion during daily pick-up/drop-off and family events at HHES impacts them.

Maximize Instructional Time

The FPC is considering options to reduce the time students spend walking between specialists and classrooms throughout the day, minimizing lost instructional time due to daily transitions.

Single Secure Entry

The FPC is researching options for a single secure entry door to enhance security by restricting school access points.

Campus Beautification

ThThe FPC is researching beautification options to improve access and flow and promote school pride.

Your input is the very heart of the facilities planning process.

The Facilities Planning Committee Family will be collecting additional family input in August 2024 to guide research and explore options for more permanent solutions to support Hockinson's student population. The family survey link will be emailed to all families in August.