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VRHS Expansion

VRHS Expansion - New Space. More Choices.

VRHS expansion site leadership
The POWER Zone and Vista Ridge High School have big plans for students whose pathways lead to and through VRHS. A new academic wing, currently under construction, will offer an expanded catalog of choices for all learners. A primary purpose for the new space is to support subjects in the Career and Technical Education (CTE) program-based learning.
 
“This new wing will provide us with the space to provide an unparalleled experience for all students,” said Tom Payne, VRHS’ principal (pictured here holding blueprints). “All students will have the opportunity to earn certifications, internships, and experiences in numerous pathways ranging from medical certifications, drone licensing, engineering fabrication classes, business, family consumer science, broadcast journalism, cyber security and numerous classes in-between.”
 
Located on the south side of campus, the two-level expansion will boost capacity by approximately 450 students, holding 18 classrooms.
 
“Its design throughout is to provide a real world experience that will follow students beyond the walls of VRHS,” Mr. Payne added. “When the new wing opens students will be going to school in the same environment that they will be going to work in merely a few years in the future.”
 
Pictured (left to right) Amy Zweifel, VRHS assistant principal; Becki Sims, VRHS assistant principal; Melissa Hernandez, VRHS assistant principal; Theresa Ritz, POWER Zone superintendent; Tom Payne, VRHS principal; Sara Adcock, VRHS dean of students;  Eddy McGee, VRHS assistant principal; and Jeremy Drager, VRHS dean of students.

April 2024 Progress Photos

VRHS wing progress 5
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Topping Out Ceremony

Topping Out Ceremony Photos

D49 Superintendent Peter Hilts
D49 Superintendent Peter Hilts
Special guests to the event included Lori Thompson, president of the D49 Board of Education.
Special guests to the event included Lori Thompson, president of the D49 Board of Education.
Power Zone Superintendent Theresa Ritz
Power Zone Superintendent Theresa Ritz
Tom Payne, VRHS principal
Tom Payne, VRHS principal
Dr. Lou Fletcher, Executive Director of Facilities & Operations
Dr. Lou Fletcher, Executive Director of Facilities & Operations
Becki Sims, VRHS assistant principal
Becki Sims, VRHS assistant principal
Group of people in hardhats at ceremony
Lifting the beam
American flag on the beam
American flag on the beam
D49 Superintendent Peter Hilts and Colorado Springs City Councilmember Mike O’Malley
D49 Superintendent Peter Hilts and Colorado Springs City Councilmember Mike O’Malley
Colorado Springs City Councilmember Mike O’Malley added his signature
Colorado Springs City Councilmember Mike O’Malley added his signature to the final steel beam during a topping-out event at VRHS Thursday, Feb. 1.
D49 Superintendent Peter Hilts and Colorado Springs City Councilmember Mike O’Malley
D49 Superintendent Peter Hilts and Colorado Springs City Councilmember Mike O’Malley
Becki Sims, VRHS assistant principal, adds her signature to the final steel beam during a topping-out event at VRHS Thursday, Feb. 1.
Becki Sims, VRHS assistant principal, adds her signature to the final steel beam during a topping-out event at VRHS Thursday, Feb. 1.
Signed beam
Signed beam
Lifting the Signed beam
Lifting the Signed beam
Signed beam
Signed beam
Lifting the Signed beam
Lifting the Signed beam
Placing the Signed beam
Placing the Signed beam
Lifting the Signed beam
Lifting the Signed beam
Placing the Signed beam
Placing the Signed beam
Placing the Signed beam
Placing the Signed beam
Worker installs the Signed beam
Worker installs the Signed beam
Worker installs the Signed beam
Worker installs the Signed beam
Worker installs the Signed beam
Worker installs the Signed beam
Worker installs the Signed beam
Worker installs the Signed beam
Worker on the beam
Worker on the beam
Worker on the beam
Worker on the beam
D49 Superintendent Peter Hilts and Greg Porter from Hollis and Miller architects
D49 Superintendent Peter Hilts and Greg Porter from Hollis and Miller architects watch as a construction crew secured the final steel beam to the VRHS expansion during a topping-out event at VRHS Thursday, Feb. 1.

Read the Topping Out Ceremony story here.