The New Lincoln Middle School is designed to reflect School District 81’s emphasis on developing Experiential Learning. Believing that school is a place where children learn by doing, all aspects of the new school were to stimulate curiosity and inspire students; developing in them interests for further learning. To achieve these goals, the New Lincoln Middle School was designed with dynamic, light filled spaces, with places to gather, interact and inspire. Each team area is centered around a student “Living Room” that visually and physically links to the exterior with balcony terraces. The connection to the exterior is further enhanced with a large reading terrace and green roof garden off of the second floor library, creating an exterior classroom where several groups could gather for multiple activities.
The dream of a new middle school became a reality due to the tireless efforts of past LMS alumni, the current superintendent and Board of Education. With repeatedly failed referendums, decreasing budgets and deteriorating facilities, the district had been pushed to its limit. The Superintendent’s creative actions sparked a student-led effort to rally the community in support of a new school – a school that wouldn’t even be completed in time for these particular students to attend. Successful in their efforts, the students illustrated the power of engaging their community to collaboratively achieve what neither could have done alone.
