September 30, 2009

Manassas Park Elementary in the spotlight at the 2009 CEFPI Virginia Chapter Mid-Year Conference

Each year, the Virginia Educational Facilities Planners hosts a free seminar for CEFPI members and a limited number of non-members. The seminar offers opportunities to meet other members, share ideas, and explore the year's highlighted topic.

For the organization's 2009 mid-year conference, the CEFPI Virginia Chapter hosted its membership as well as CEFPI members and guests attending this year's national conference being held in Washington, D.C.

Manassas Park City presented and shared the Manassas Park City Schools' Story- Meeting Past, Present, and Future Challenges.

Dr. Tom DeBolt, Superintendent of Schools and winner of the 2009 Virginia Planner of the Year and the 2009 Southeast Region Planner of the Year, shared the community context, providing listeners with a sense of the Manassas community transformation over the last 33 years.

Two Educational Leaders from the Manassas Park City Schools, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Ritchie Carroll and Principal Mrs. Stacy Mamon, described the 11 key components that comprise the heart of the Manassas Park City Schools' success story.

Ms. Victoria Bergsagel, founder and director of Architects of Achievement, presented her analysis of the synergy between the educational program and the building with its non-traditional elementary school program, and how the spaces have impacted the learning the students.

VMDO Architects was founded in 1976 and is the youngest firm to receive the T. David Fitz-Gibbon Virginia Architecture Award, the most prestigious honor given by the Virginia Society of American Institute of Architects.

For further information, interview, and photography opportunities in reference to this project and VMDO Architects, please contact William Bishop at 434.296.5684, email at bishop@vmdo.com.