Gym Update + Soccer Pilot Program

Posted Date: 10/31/2023

We want to provide you with an update on the progress of our highly anticipated new gym project. We understand that there has been a significant amount of curiosity and anticipation surrounding the project's development, and we truly appreciate your patience and support.  I would like to take a moment to look back on the past progress we have made:

• Spring 2023 - Mazanec Construction Co, Inc was selected by the Rapoport Academy Board of Directors to be the Construction Manager at Risk to support the completion of the design phase

• Summer 2023 - Mazanec Construction provided a cost estimate of $6.5 million

• Fall 2023 - CP&Y finalizing full plans and moving to approval for construction; Mazanec Construction working with contractors to finalize guaranteed maximum price; Rapoport and financial advisor working to secure funding for increased project costs.

• See the Full Gym Timeline >
   

The new gym project is now in the financing stage. While this phase has taken longer than originally anticipated, we want to assure you that every effort is being made to ensure the project's success. The financing stage is THE crucial step in securing the necessary resources to bring our facility to life, and we are diligently working to finalize the funding arrangements.

See these incredible architectural drawings that show the future Rapoport Gym:

I want to acknowledge that the extended timeline has caused inconvenience for student-athletes, families, staff, and our extended community. However, even with the struggles to see this project come to life, our commitment to delivering a top-notch gymnasium for our students, staff, and the entire community remains unwavering. The new gym is poised to be a hub of health, wellness, and athletic achievement, and we firmly believe that it will greatly enhance the overall educational experience for everyone involved.

Future of the project:

• District and Campus leaders work to secure financing for the Raven Gym project 

• A groundbreaking ceremony and official construction, including site planning will begin

• The project timeline is estimated to take 8-10 months to complete from the first turn of dirt.

• The hopeful move in date: during the 2024-2025 school year.

As we move forward, we will keep you updated on the financing progress and any significant developments related to the project. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to Dr. Alexis Neumann, Superintendent, at aneumann@rapswaco.org.

Once again, thank you for your understanding, patience, and commitment to Rapoport Academy. We look forward to sharing more exciting news about the new gym project in the near future.

There’s one more update we would like to share. We are thrilled to announce a pilot program to investigate a potential addition to our school's athletic program that will undoubtedly bring a wave of excitement and enthusiasm among our students, parents, teachers, and staff. Anyone interested in SOCCER? Our goal is to provide our students with even more opportunities to engage in physical activity, showcase their talents, and build lifelong skills that extend beyond the field.

We are pleased to announce that we will be launching a pilot soccer program this coming Spring! This program will serve as a platform to prepare interested students for the exciting challenges that lie ahead in what we anticipate to be the first official soccer season at Rapoport Academy during the 2024-2025 school year. While we are still finalizing the details of the pilot program, we can assure you that it will be designed to accommodate varying skill levels and provide comprehensive training under the guidance of experienced coaches.

Stay tuned for further updates on the pilot soccer program, including information about tryouts, practice schedules, coaching staff, and other relevant details. We encourage all interested students to consider joining the pilot program to kick-start their soccer journey and hopefully be part of the foundation of this new sporting venture at our school. Coach Foreman, our Athletic Director, will hold interest meetings for students next week. He will meet with interested high schoolers on Friday, November 10, during lunch/break and eighth graders (future freshmen) during first period.

We believe that the addition of soccer to our sports offerings will contribute to the holistic development of our students and create a sense of camaraderie that embodies the spirit of Rapoport Academy. We are excited to witness the growth of our athletes as they embrace this new opportunity and make us proud both on and off the field.

We look forward to sharing more updates with you in the near future.

Thanks and Let’s Go Ravens!!!

-Dr. Neumann