McAuley unveils new chemistry lab plans

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Updated: March 13, 2012 8:01AM

Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School recently announced plans for construction of new state-of-the-art chemistry labs. Construction of the new labs is expected to begin in March, with a completion date of August, in advance of the start of the 2012-13 academic year.

The two-story addition will be located between the current language/theology and art/science wings of the school and will offer a laboratory and classroom-collaborative environment.

In addition to the chemistry labs will be prep rooms, storage and a science team office. Located adjacent to the building will be a landscaped courtyard featuring outdoor classrooms, native landscaping and water habitat.

“Research shows that high school girls excel in science, averaging higher grades than their male counterparts,” president Christine Melone said. “This latest enhancement to our campus reaffirms our commitment to providing an exceptional educational environment for our students to engage in projects which challenge them to see the real-world implications of the subject matter explored in the classroom and science lab.”

The new structure will be a registered Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver project with many sustainable features. LEED is a program for the design, construction and operation of high-performance, environmentally-friendly “green” buildings.

“LEED Silver Certification is critical to this building project because it tells the community that we do what we say we will do,” said Roz Iasillo, chair of physical science and education. “At McAuley our mission states that we teach our students to respond compassionately to the needs of their community. And, our philosophy says that we empower young women to live in mutual relationship with all creation.

“Seeking LEED Silver Certification and building sustainably means that we have made a conscious choice to build in a way that allows us to conserve key resources while providing for future generations.”