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Past Events
Tour and Lunch
November 20, 2023
11:30 AM – 1:00 PM Central Standard Time
Tour will begin at 11:30 with lunch to follow on-site
AIA Credits Available
DC West Middle School
401 S. Pine Street, Valley, NE 68064
The DC West Middle School and Performing Arts Addition is the latest improvement to the DC West K-12
campus. The project consists of a 42,000 SF Performing Arts and Middle School Addition and a 30,000
SF renovation for new middle school space and an athletic training/weight room.
The focus of the design was to give each middle school grade level its own “home base” by orienting
each grade level around a central open common space that maximizes double-volume daylighting. The
common space is centrally located within each “home base” and is flanked with core subject
classrooms. A corridor connects the Main Office of the middle school to each of the grade level
common spaces to aid staff supervision and security.
Additionally, the Performing Arts Addition consists of a new band room, vocal room, and 500 seat
auditorium for theatrical performances. These new spaces will be utilized by the entire school to
develop theatrical and performance-based skills.
Presenters:
Casey Painter and Alec Eastman, BCDM Architects
Learning Objectives:
- To discuss fundamental design principles and concepts related to education spaces.
- To discuss key factors of construction materials and technology used.
- To summarize key building system/design concept considerations for an auditorium space.
- To identify key safety considerations in the design.
Project Team:
Architect of Record, Structural Engineer: BCDM Architects
Landscape Architect & Civil Engineer: Lamp Rynearson
Electrical Engineer & Mechanical Engineer: Morrissey Engineering
Contractor: Boyd Jones
Specialized Consultants: Stan Roller Acoustics
Owner: DC West Community Schools
Members: Free |
Non-members: $20
Please register for accurate headcount.
Event Sponsors:
Facility Directors Conference
October 17, 2023
7:30 am – 3:00 pm EDT
Elkhorn Public Schools Teacher Training Conference Center
20650 Glenn Street, Elkhorn, NE 68022
Members: Free |
Non-members: $25
Please RSVP / Register for accurate headcount.
| PROGRAM INFORMATION |
| 7:30 – 8:00 am |
Registration and Breakfast |
| 8:00 – 8:30 am |
Registration and Opening Remarks: Ken Sigmon, SBI, A4LE Nebraska / Western Iowa Chapter President |
| 8:30 – 9:30 am |
Kitchen Equipment Renovation and Design: Paul Sinnott, Buller |
| 9:00 – 9:30 am |
Remodeling Renovation of Existing Spaces: BVH |
| 9:00 – 9:30 am |
Lighting Trends and Controls: Mercer Zimmerman |
| 9:30 – 10:00 am |
Title 9 Compliance in Schools: JJA |
| 9:30 – 10:00 am |
Disaster Recovery: Servpro |
| 10:00 – 10:15 am |
Break |
| 10:15 – 10:45 am |
TBD: DLR |
| 10:15 – 10:45 am |
Turf Field Options: Lamp |
| 10:45 – 11:15 am |
Security Cameras and Video Management Systems: Jon Driscoll |
| 11:15 – 11:45 am |
Trends in Classroom Technology: CCS |
| 11:45 am – 1:00 pm |
Lunch and Vendors |
| 1:00 – 1:45 pm |
Mobile Casework and Media Centers: Meteor and Media Tech |
| 1:45 – 2:15 pm |
Trends in Playground Equipment: Crouch Recreation |
| 1:45 – 2:15 pm |
Workspace Flooring Options in Schools |
| 2:15 – 2:45 pm |
Furniture Installation and Project Management |
Breakfast Sponsor:
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Lunch Sponsor:
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Tour and Lunch
October 3, 2023
11:00 AM – 12:30 PM CDT
AIA Credits Available
Ashland-Greenwood Middle School
806 N. 17th Ave, Ashland, NE 68003
Tour of the new Ashland-Greenwood Middle School construction site. The new facility is due to be
completed later this fall. Tour will begin at 11:00 am with lunch to follow on site.
Presenter:
Vanessa Schutte, DLR Group
Learning Objectives:
- The new Ashland-Greenwood facility is set to open as a middle school but is master planned to become
a high school. Through this example, attendees will learn how to plan for long-term facility needs.
- Learn how to leverage circulation to create strategic, cost-effective learning opportunities
throughout a school environment.
- How the impact of school zoning allows for the maximization of community use
at the new Ashland-Greenwood Middle School tour.
- How positive,
collaborative partnerships among public and private entities benefit not just the school, but the
community as a whole.
Project Team:
Architect of Record, Landscape Architect, Structural, Electrical, Civil & Mechanical Engineers: DLR Group
Contractor: Hausmann Construction
Owner: Ashland-Greenwood Public Schools
Members: Free | Non-Members: $20
Event Sponsors:
Tour and Lunch
September 5, 2023
11:30 AM – 1:00 PM CDT
Papillion La Vista High School
303 E. Cary Street, Papillion, NE 68046
Tour of the new front entrance, ninth grade wing and STEM addition. Tour will begin at 11:30 am with lunch to follow on-site.
Presenter:
Greg Stieren, BDCM Architects
Learning Objectives:
- To foster effective collaboration, communication, and critical thinking skills among learners through
purposefully designed physical spaces.
- To promote active engagement, reflection, and public sharing of knowledge by showcasing students'
work, projects, and achievements.
- To cultivate a holistic understanding of complex issues by encouraging collaboration and knowledge
exchange across different disciplines.
- To create a conducive and healthy learning environment by maximizing the use of natural daylight in
educational spaces.
Project Team:
Architect of Record, Structural Engineer: BCDM Architects
Landscape Architect, Civil Engineer: Lamp Rynearson
Electrical & Mechanical Engineer: Alvine Engineering
Contractor: Prairie Construction Company
Specialized Consultants: Acoustics – Alvine Engineering
Owner: Papillion-La Vista Community Schools
Members: Free | Non-Members: $20
Event Sponsor:
Tour and Lunch
June 28, 2023
11:00 AM – 12:30 PM CDT
Bluestem Middle School
5910 S. 42nd Street, Omaha, NE 68107
View AIA Continuing Education Systems Course »
Tour of the new Bluestem Middle School. Representatives from the school district, architect and general contractor will provide an overview of the design, construction and use of the building.
Tour will begin at 11:30 with lunch to follow on site.
Learning Objectives:
- This project is a real-world example of successful execution of project management best practices in the context of a public health emergency.
- Constraints imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic required real-time schedule and budget adjustments during design to allow for successful delivery of the project.
- In consideration of the public health recommendations made during the pandemic, the facility's design was re-evaluated and adjustments were made in order to permanently improve outcomes for Student and Staff health and safety post-occupancy.
- Jobsite health and safety documentation protocols were imposed during the course of construction that facilitated high productivity while protecting workers on-site.
Project Team:
Architect of Record: RDG Planning & Design
Contractor: McCarthy Building Companies
Owner: Omaha Public Schools
Members: Free | Non-Members: $20
Event Sponsor:
Tour and Lunch
March 15, 2023
12:00 PM – 1:30 PM CST
Springfield Elementary School
940 Main Street, Springfield, NE 68059
Tour of the newest elementary school for Springfield Platteview Community Schools. Representatives from the school district, architect and general contractor will provide an overview of the design, construction and use of the building.
Photo Credit: Corey Gaffer Photography
Speakers:
Rick Hauptman, APMA
Chandler Green, APMA
Sean Yahnke, Boyd Jones Construction
Learning Objectives:
- Development of the site
- Interdisciplinary coordination
- Integration of collaboration spaces
- Integration of sustainable design
Project Team:
Architect of Record: Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture
Landscape Architect, Structural, Electrical, Civil & Mechanical Engineer: Olsson
Contractor: Boyd Jones Construction
Specialized Consultants:
Food Service: FoodLines
Final Photo Credit: Corey Gaffer
Owner: Springfield Platteview Community Schools
Members: Free | Non-Members: $20
Event Sponsors:
Tour and Lunch
February 3, 2023
11:00 am – 12:30 pm CST
Central High School
124 North 20th Street, Omaha, NE 68102
Tour of the new east addition to the historic Central High School. Tour will begin at 11:00 am with lunch to follow on site.
Members: Free | Non-Members: $20
Please RSVP / Register for accurate headcount.
Tour and Lunch
December 6, 2022
11:30 am – 1:00 pm CST
Northwest High School
Lincoln Public Schools
4901 W Holdredge Street, Lincoln NE 68528
Tour of the newest high school for Lincoln Public Schools. Representatives from the school district, architect and general contractor will provide an overview of the design, construction, and use of the building.
Learning Objectives:
Designing for expansion, development of the site (High school and athletic complex), interdisciplinary coordination, integration of collaboration spaces, integration of sustainable design.
Project Team:
Architect of Record: Clark & Enersen
Contractor: Hausmann Construction
Owner: Lincoln Public Schools
Speaker:
Scott Wieskamp, Director of Operations, Lincoln Public Schools
Members: Free | Non-Members: $20
Please RSVP / Register for accurate headcount.
Event Sponsors:
Tour and Lunch
November 8, 2022
11:30 am – 1:00 pm CST
Bennington Middle School
Bennington South Middle School
9809 North 171st Street, Bennington, NE 68007
Members: Free | Non-Members: $20
Please RSVP / Register for accurate headcount.
Event Sponsors:
In-Person Conference
October 11, 2022
8:15 am – 2:30 pm
Elkhorn Public Schools Teacher Training Conference Center
20650 Glenn Street
Elkhorn, NE 68022
Event starts at 7:45-8:15 am with breakfast and registration.
Conference runs from 8:15 am-2:30 pm.
Topics include:
- Trends in building design
- Furniture selection
- LED field lighting and retrofits
- School cyber security
- 3M window security film
- Natural grass/turf maintenance
- Food service equipment selection and maintenance
- Physical building/campus security
- School landscape design and maintenance
Members: Free |
Non-members: $25
Event Sponsor: $250
Please RSVP / Register for accurate headcount.
Vendor Sponsors
In-Person Tour
Omaha Public Schools Pine Elementary
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June 21, 2022
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Lunch to follow
810 Pine Street,
Omaha, NE 68108
Parking map »
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Members: Free | Non-Members: $20
Event Sponsors: $250
Please RSVP / register for accurate headcount.
Event Sponsor:
Tour and Happy Hour
May 3, 2022
4:00 pm Tour
Happy Hour to follow
Gretna East High School
Intersection of 180th Street & Camelback Ave
Ref’s Sports Bar & Grill
18920 Edna St, Omaha NE 68136
Bring hardhat and safety glasses if possible. If not, safety equipment will be provided.
Members: Free | Non-Members: $20
Please RSVP / register for accurate headcount.
Sponsors:
Presentation and Happy Hour
March 15, 2022
4:00 – 6:00 PM Central
Trends in K12 Construction
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McCarthy Building Companies
4201 S. 130th Street
Omaha, NEB 68137
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Members: Free | Non-Members: $20
Please RSVP / register for accurate headcount.
In-Person Tour
February 18, 2022
11:00 am – 12:30 PM
Lunch included
18330 Purple Martin Parkway
Elkhorn Northridge Middle School
Learning Objectives:
- Storm shelters in schools
- Interdisciplinary coordination
- The challenges of monumental masonry
- Designing a school for a growing community
Members: Free | Non-Members: $20
Please RSVP / register for accurate headcount.
In-Person Tour
Elkhorn North High School
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January 17, 2022
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Lunch to follow
17800 George Miller Pkwy, Omaha, NE 68116
Members: Free | Non-Members: $20
Please RSVP / register for accurate headcount.
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In-Person Conference
October 28, 2021
8:15 am – 2:30 pm
Elkhorn Public Schools Teacher Training Conference Center
20650 Glenn Street, Elkhorn, NE 68022
Event starts at 7:45 – 8:15 am with breakfast and registration.
Conference runs from 8:15 am – 2:30 pm.
Topics include:
- Concrete finishes
- ASR( alkali–silica reaction) in concrete
- Energy/lighting rebates
- Roofing projects and new energy codes
- LED lighting upgrades
- Hard surface flooring options
- HUDL athletic cameras
- Safety and security
Members: Free | Non-Members: $25
Sponsors: $250
Please RSVP / register for accurate headcount.
In-Person Tours
These are active construction sites so we do require PPE to include hard hat, safety vest and safety glasses.
Members: Free | Non-Members: $20
Buena Vista High School
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August 24, 2021
10:00 am – 11:30 am
Lunch served
Please register for accurate headcount for lunch.
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Westview High School
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September 7, 2021
10:00 am – 11:30 am
Lunch served
Please register for accurate headcount for lunch.
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College World Series Happy Hour
June 23, 2021
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM (it looks like the game will start at 6:00 that night)
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Alvine & Associates
1201 Cass St, Omaha, NE 68102
Members/non-members: Free
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Attendees are on their own for parking.
School Tour
Blair High School Industrial Tech. Renovation Project
May 4, 2021
In person event: 12:00 – 1:30 pm
Lunch provided
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Members: Free | Non-members: $20
Must register by May 3 at 5 pm
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Please note that we will meet at the North Service entry off Jackson Street, look for the Greenhouse. There is parking across the street at the Youth Sports Complex.
View map »
Learning Objectives:
- Building the future with community partners
- Growing within the existing building
- Designing for student / staff safety
- Opportunities for program growth
School Tour
Elkhorn North Ridge Middle School
April 6, 2021
In person event: 12:00 – 1:30 pm
Lunch provided
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Members: Free | Non-members: $20
Must register by April 5.
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Join us for an in-person tour of the new middle school project: Elkhorn North Ridge.
Learning Objectives:
- Storm shelters in schools
- Interdisciplinary coordination
- The challenges of monumental masonry
- Designing a school for a growing community
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Virtual Happy Hour
March 10, 2021
4:00 pm Central
Join us for networking fun!
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Virtual Tour
December 15, 2020
4:00 pm Central
1.0 AIA LU
U.S. Conn Library Building – Renovation Project
In this presentation we will review the process and transformation of the Wayne State College U.S. Conn Library into intentional learning spaces for the students. For more than a century, academic libraries have striven to support their institutions by building the best possible print collections of information resources. In the 1990’s vast quantities of information started to become available in virtual space, and libraries had acknowledge new sources of information. As access to digital information grew libraries could no long be just a book depository. Looking towards the future a new focus developed; to treat students as self-directed learners rather than as consumers. The re-visioning of the US Conn Library focused on developing programs and learning spaces that nurtures information-literate students. Information literacy provides students life-long learning tools needed to succeed in both self-directed and collaborative endeavors.
Learning Objectives:
- Learn how we transformed U.S. Conn Library from a book depository into a 21st century teaching and learning center.
- Explore how we improved the library user experience through better library services.
- Discuss how the team identified and grounded project aspirations.
- Discuss key elements to the library renovation project
Registration:
Members: FREE | Non-members: $10
You must register by 5:00 pm on December 14, 2020. The Zoom link will be sent to all registered attendees at approximately 12:00 pm on December 15, 2020.
Virtual Tour
November 10, 2020
4:00 pm CST
Devastation into Opportunity: Wisner Pilger Public Schools Journey to Success!
After a tornado devastated Pilger, Nebraska, in 2014, BVH Architecture created an educational strategy to restore the 5th and 6th grade campus. The first step was to bring portable classroom buildings onto the existing elementary campus in Wisner, Nebraska. As planning started to rebuild, it was clear the best solution was to combine the 5th/6th grade building on the existing 7th-12th high school campus in Wisner. Through further outreach with the district and community, a PK-6 model emerged as an opportunity to create one campus for PK-12th. Functional efficiencies as well as educational opportunities made this option a clear district advantage.
Experience the new Wisner Pilger Public Schools via a virtual tour and hear about the process which began the day after the twin tornadoes touched down through the first day of school. Learn how their specific educational delivery drove every design decision to create an energetic and dynamic learning environment. The adaptable core of specialized educational spaces along with acoustical balance, day lighting, views, budget, and safety were all driving design factors. See the solutions that have created an environment of inclusion and community to support the school's mission.
Presenters:
Chad Boyer, Superintendent, Wisner Pilger PS
Cleve Reeves, BVH Architecture
Darin Hanigan, BVH Architecture
Cynthia Ray, BVH Architecture
Registration:
Members: FREE | Non-members: $10
Zoom link will be sent the morning of the event
Chapter Tour
Wednesday, March 11, 2020
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Gifford Park Elementary School
Omaha Public Schools
717 North 32nd Street,
Omaha, NE 68131
Project: Omaha Public Schools Gifford Park Elementary School
Speakers:
- JJA
- Principal Kim Jones
- Morrissey Engineering
- Lueder Construction
Please meet at the main entry on the west side.
Lunch following provided by Jackson-Jackson & Associates.
Free to attend, please RSVP.
Chapter Tour
February 25, 2020
3:00 – 5:00 PM
Old Target at Mall of Bluffs
1745 Madison Ave, Council Bluffs
(Building at north end of mall)
Project: Council Bluff's CSD's Target Conversion Housing – Two Middle Schools During Major Renovations
Speakers:
- BVH Architecture
- Prairie Construction
- Darrel Meyer, CBCS
Food Sponsors:
BVH Architecture & Prairie Construction
Free to attend, please RSVP.
Chapter Tour & Lunch
January 16, 2020
11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Jack Daniels Room @ Werner Park
12356 Ballpark Way, Papillion, NE 68046
Tour of Ashbury Hills Elementary School
Speakers:
- NE Concrete Association
- Fox Blocks
- BCDM Architects
Lunch sponsored by:
NE Concrete Association
Free to attend, please RSVP.
Chapter Tour & Lunch
Wednesday, November 13, 2019
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Tour of DC West Elementary School
Speakers:
- Melissa Poloncic, Superintendent, DC West
- Chad Beeson, President, Tetrad
- Sean Yahnke, Project Manager, Boyd Jones
- Patrick Phelan, Architect, DLR Group
Speakers will be available to answer questions and speak during lunch provided by Boyd Jones.
Free to attend, please RSVP.
Chapter Event
Tuesday, October 15, 2019
Elkhorn Public Schools
Teacher Training Conference Center
20650 Glenn Street, Elkhorn, NE 68022
Facility Directors Workshop
Topics:
- Designing classrooms for the 21st century
- Disaster recovery plans for facilities
- Managing outdoor athletic complexes
- Glass, framing systems, skylights, and movable walls
- Mold and moisture remediation
- Playground maintenance and surfacing
- Indoor / outdoor LED displays
Registration: 7:45 AM
Conference: 8:15 AM – 2:30 PM
Breakfast and lunch provided
Limited vendor space available – sign up today to be in the vendor showcase ($100)
Free to attend, please RSVP
Chapter Event
Thursday, September 26, 2019
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
1401 Veterans Drive, Elkhorn, NE 68022
Elkhorn High School Football Tailgate
Lunch provided. We hope to see you there! Free to attend, please RSVP.
Networking Social
Thursday, August 29, 2019
4:00 pm
725 S. 72nd Street, Omaha, NE 68114
Sheppard's Business Interiors
Join us to socialize over frozen margaritas, beer, wine, soft drinks, and snacks. There will also be a drawing for a Steelcase Series 1 Task Chair. We hope to see you there!
Free to attend, please RSVP.
Chapter Tour
Thursday, July 25, 2019
11:00 am
Located North of 168th & Ida
Bennington – Anchor Pointe Elementary School
Free to attend, must RSVP.
Spring Chapter Event
Friday, April 19, 2019
11:30 am – 1:00 pm
Blue Sage Elementary School
Come meet your fellow members and share insights on creating amazing 21st century, student centered learning environments.
- Lunch and presentation by Ed Pullen CCS about Digital Display Systems
- School Tour (Elkhorn’s newest and most state of the art elementary school)
- Round Table Networking Discussion
Not a member, that’s ok! Come meet people and see how A4LE can have a positive impact on your school or business! Lunch is on us!
Lunch Sponsor:
