Yesterday, Austin ISD and the Rosedale School celebrated the grand opening of the new modernized campus, built as part of the 2017 Bond Program. Families, teachers and community members joined AISD and Rosedale leadership in an evening filled with joy and celebration.
The event featured remarks from Rosedale Principal Elizabeth Dickey, Superintendent Dr. Stephanie S. Elizalde, Board of Trustees President Geronimo Rodriguez, District 4 Trustee Kristin Ashy, the Rosedale Foundation’s Maureen Benschoter and Page Architects’ Chad Johnson. Following the formal ceremony, guests were invited to enjoy refreshments and family-friendly activities in the courtyard.
Created in 1988 within the original Rosedale Elementary School, Rosedale serves students from ages 3-22 with severe special needs, including children who are medically fragile or need intensive behavioral support. The newly modernized facility is thoughtfully designed to support individually tailored programs for its students and to create a welcoming, empowering and community-focused school. The Campus Architectural Team (CAT) engaged teachers, staff, families, school supporters and community members, in an inclusive and collaborative design process, to create a one-of-a-kind campus for specialized learning and support. They dreamed of a school that reflects experiences of Austin and a connection to nature and outdoors as a ‘School Within a Park.’
“The vision for the new Rosedale School has been years in the making, and it is so rewarding to finally celebrate the grand opening alongside our families, friends and community partners,” said Rosedale Principal Elizabeth Dickey. “I want to thank everyone who was involved in making this campus a reality. Every student needs an educational environment that allows them to be successful, and that’s exactly what this building achieves. With customized spaces that allow for increased student mobility, the new Rosedale has everything our community needs and more. I am so proud and grateful for the progress we’ve achieved together.”
The campus is organized into distinct learning neighborhoods for Medically Fragile, Behavioral, Transition to Life in the Community, and shared community spaces which are all connected to a central common area, known as the living room. Sensory design considerations that inspire discovery and movement can be found throughout the campus, as well as outdoor learning areas, specialized equipment and space for a pediatric clinic partner dedicated to the care of children with complex medical issues.
“This is a remarkable milestone for the Rosedale community, and all of us at Austin ISD. The 2017 Bond Program was designed to provide modernized spaces for all students that allow them to learn in the way that’s best for them. That’s what we have achieved at the new Rosedale,” said Superintendent Dr. Stephanie S. Elizalde. “From top to bottom, this campus is custom-built to meet the needs of the district’s most vulnerable students. I want to congratulate Principal Dickey and the entire Rosedale community. Welcome to your new home!”
Rosedale moved from their campus on 49th St. to the new modernized facility, designed by Page Architects and built by Rogers-O’Brien Construction. Located at 7505 Silvercrest Dr., the new campus is designed to meet LEED Silver certification, including a commitment to air quality, infection prevention and overall health and wellness for the students and faculty.
Rosedale will be hosting its 28th annual Rosedale Ride on March 26, 2022, at The Pitch. Now returning in-person after two years of virtual rides, the event raises money for the Rosedale Foundation, a non-profit organization, whose mission is to support the children of Rosedale School. This year’s goal is to raise $100,000; registration is now open at p2p.onecause.com/rr28/home.
You can find a media kit with campus photos, here. For more information on the Rosedale modernization and 2017 Bond Program, visit www.AISDFuture.com.
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