Construction on modernization of Jefferson/Silva begins
(JEFFERSON/SILVA HIGH SCHOOL -- Oct. 22, 2019) — The Silver Fox community joined together today to officially break ground on a $36.6-million project that unites both campuses and offers key updates to learning spaces and athletics.
“This is a moment that we all been waiting for,” interim principal Armando Gallegos said. “This building that you can see around us has been around for 70 years. The new campus is going to connect Jefferson to Silva Magnet.”
The interim principal has been working with both Silva and Jefferson students to spread a message of unity and expects the new construction to further unite the students once the campuses connect.
“Our motto is two voices, one heartbeat,” he said. “That’s the message that we are trying to spread. That we are all silver foxes.”
Freshman Ruben Martinez looks forward to how the construction will further solidify the two campuses and strengthen both schools academically.
“This construction project means we get a new beginning and new traditions when we combine both schools together into one campus,” he said. “It’s good for our community.”
The 2016 Bond project includes the construction of a modern three-story building with 21st Century learning environments at Jefferson, a new cafeteria and science labs. A new weight room building for athletics, renovations to the auxiliary gym, new softball and baseball fields, construction of athletic field event areas and sight work for school bus loops and parking lots are also included in the project. Construction is expected to be completed in early 2022.
“The new building is designed to provide our students with a first quality education that we need to offer to all our students,” Gallegos said.
The event featured the band, choir, cheerleaders and dancers – a combination of the talent at Silva and Jefferson – united in celebration.
“I’m excited about the new building,” said Silva dance team member Samantha Licero. “It’s a cool design and I think it will bring new traditions but keep the old traditions, keeping our roots.”
Photos by Leonel Monroy