Intent

The intent of Kaiser High School’s project is to improve the central area of our campus by creating an attractive, multi-purpose, two-tiered gathering place where students, staff, parents, and the valued members of our community can meet, instruct, perform, socialize, study, eat and reflect.

The cafeteria -- the most prominent location in our project area -- is heavily used by our school and community seven days a week, for dining (capacity of only 550 for a student enrollment of over 1,100), awards programs, curricular and departmental info nights for parents, athletic functions, assemblies, town halls, open house, church services, state and federal elections, and as an emergency shelter.

Problem Area

This area is the geographical hub of our campus. It is situated in-between our upper and lower campus buildings, and in-between our cafeteria, library, and main office.

Currently, it is a patchy lawn with some trees, and a couple of cement benches. (The benches will be moved to another site on campus.)

Solution

(West) Front of Cafeteria Area

Install steps from the cafeteria to the project area to serve as a safe pathway to the rest of the project area, as well as additional seating
Attach awning to the cafeteria exterior to provide shade over the steps, as well as to improve the aesthetics of the boxy, cafeteria building
Provide a minimum of six tables/seating areas; provide ground covering under the tables
Encircle three trees with benches for additional seating
Install lighting over the seating areas and over the steps from the cafeteria
Add fixtures on the lampposts to hold publicity banners
Install one water fountain under the shade of one tree
Plant durable grass to cover existing dirt patches and to replace struggling grass
Place trash cans and recycle bins near seating areas

Behind Main Office / Below Cafeteria Area

Install steps and railings connecting the cafeteria side of the project area with the sloped, office side of the project area
Install lighting over the steps
Create amphitheater-style seating on the slope behind the main office
Pave/cover the existing dirt walkway that links one side of our campus to the other, and which will serve as an upper tier of our amphitheater

Impact

This project will allow school and community groups access to an area that is functional, communal, and aesthetically pleasing. It will provide space for individuals and groups to conduct meaningful business, and to develop positive relationships.

As a result, students and the community alike will find meeting on our campus highly desirable, and they will leave our project area with special memories.

Donate or Offer Support

Email us at admin@oneschoolmile.org if you are interested in supporting the project monetarily or through materials and labor donations.

Thank you!

Team: Justin Hong, Charles Tran, Aina Hori, Reina Kim, Noah Matsumoto, Justin Yip, Daniel Yu, Kayla Kanemori, Sarah Cadalora, Kevin Chong, Marina Morishige, Trevor Tamashiro, Mari Yasumi

Teacher: Mrs. Rinda Fernandes

Henry J. Kaiser High School: Justin Mew, Dana Takahara, Kevin Dias, Samantha Hyeon

One School Mile team: Carol Torigoe, Rodney Kato, Duane Uchida, Ian Tierney, Wendy Meguro

ABOUT ONE SCHOOL MILE

Learn more about One School Mile by watching our short 1.5 minute video and visiting us at www.oneschoolmile.org