New STEM Facility is Given the Name Vanguard Academy of Broken Arrow

Broken Arrow Public Schools’ new state-of-the-art STEM facility now has an official name. 
Now under construction, the Vanguard Academy of Broken Arrow will open its doors in August to serve grades 9-12. It is located on the property behind Casey’s General Store at 3000 E. Albany St.  
“I am excited the school board selected this name,” Academy Director Jason Jedamski said. “Vanguard is defined as a group of people leading the way in new developments or ideas and it truly connects to the purpose of the facility. 
“Vanguard Academy of Broken Arrow resonated with our students who served on the naming committee, and we believe this is the first step toward increased voice and choice at the facility,” he said. 
When opened, the site will be Oklahoma’s first public school facility to integrate building information modeling from the design process through the construction phase. Known as BIM, the tool is a 3D model-based process that gives architecture, engineering and construction professionals the insight and tools to more efficiently plan, design, construct, and manage buildings and infrastructure. 
“Having the construction of this building done in conjunction with the BIM model has reduced errors and waste,” said BAPS Executive Director of Construction and Facilities Bob Tolomeo. “It’s allowed us to build more efficiently and better coordinate with each of the trade contractors. From building signage to greenhouses, we’re looking to stretch the physical and mental boundaries of education with this facility.” 
The Academy will include a number of labs, a makerspace, a workshop, a build shop, numerous outdoor classrooms and more. In addition, its vocational agriculture center will include animal pens and show barns for those students pursuing careers in agricultural production, agribusiness and other agricultural related occupations. 
This project is being made possible by the passage of the 2015 bond issue. These bond funds allow BAPS to add classrooms to accommodate growing enrollment, expand and update our facilities and add technology to the classroom. 
With enrollment slated for August, the school is hosting a number of informational forums in February and March for parents and students to learn more about course and program offerings. 
Initially, the Academy will include a number of labs, a makerspace, a workshop, a build shop, numerous outdoor classrooms and more. In addition, the vocational agriculture center will include animal pens and show barns for those students pursuing careers in agricultural production, agribusiness and other agricultural related occupations.
Vanguard will open with two full-time programs for 9th and 10th grade students as well as elective class offerings for 10th-12th grade students. 
Forums will begin at 6:30 p.m. at Central on Main Ballroom, 210 North Main St. on Feb. 22, 23 25 and March 1 and 2.