NSS Beth El Construction FAQ’s

What will be new when the project is completed?

• A combined, single entrance to the building’s offices and school. Located near the current office entrance, this will be the new security station for our guards to buzz people in. 
• A landscaped courtyard.
• A single, larger education office where all educational staff will be located.
• For the school wing: new lights, ceiling tiles, paint, flooring, furniture, fixtures, updates to the existing bathrooms (in classrooms), new bathrooms (one ADA-fitted on the 2nd floor and one on the first floor).
• For the school wing: fully renovated kitchen (new appliances, cabinets, flooring, etc.)
• For the mansion: new roof and windows. 
• For the administration area: new tiling in the main corridors.

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What is the draft timeline? 

(This draft is subject to change).

February 3rd: School wing renovation begins and access to the school is through the office entrance.

End of March: Construction begins on the new main entrance. We transition to using the sanctuary entrance to enter the building.

Early June: Completion of first phase of school wing construction.

Early August: Completion of mansion phase of construction. We hope to open the Cohen Religious School and Steinberg Pre-School with all construction complete.

Early November: Completion of new main entrance.

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When will everything be completed?

The work in the schools will be completed by the start of the next school year; work on the first floor of the school will be finished before camp starts. The new main entrance will be completed by mid-November.  

Where do the funds come from? 

We thank our many generous members who donated to our Mitzvah 613 campaign to write a new Torah scroll. The additional dollars raised fund this project.

Why is Beth El undertaking this construction project? 

It’s time for our Cohen Religious School and Steinberg Pre-School to have a 21st century update and upgrade. We are committed to providing the highest level of security for our congregation, and we were advised that the safest measure we can take is to utilize one primary building entrance. 

How will this project enhance our schools?

Our updated environment will be conducive to learning, following principles of Reggio Emilia in our layout with updated lighting and flooring and repaired walls, renovated and upgraded school kitchen, and infrastructure important to facilitating inclusivity both upstairs and downstairs in our school wings. In the new facility, security features will be enhanced and the new lobby space will provide a secure entrance to our schools and our building.

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How will security be enhanced by the new lobby?

This will provide a more formal security station through which every visitor will need to pass. Everyone will have to be buzzed in twice.

What will happen to classes and events during construction? 

We have in place a robust displacement plan. Classes will be out of their regular classroom for no more than one week, and they will be elsewhere in the building for that time. We will do all we can to minimize the inconvenience. 

If you have any questions, please contact President Marla Grossberg president@nssbethel.org.