Thank you to those who attended the first parent meeting regarding the Apollo Middle School transformation project held on Friday, April 30, 2026. The following information was shared regarding the upcoming construction and its impact on our campus. Please see the full 4/30 presentation for specifics on each topic as well as the renderings, site plan, and floor plan.
Construction Phasing
The project is divided into two phases with the goal of substantial completion by August 2028.
- Phase I (May 2026 – July 2027):
- April – July 2026
- Exterior – Construction fencing and mobilization, site utilities and infrastructure, portables and covered walkways, site paving and parking.
- June – July 2026
- Interior – Selective abatement, temporary administration suite, structural demolition and renovation on certain areas, start renovation of existing, and the start of a new academic wing.
- 2026 – 2027 School Year
- Exterior: New south firelane, completed east parking lot and drive complete (emergency use only), completed portables and covered walkways.
- Interior: completed temporary administration suite, renovation of existing building, and new academic wing (ongoing).
- April – July 2026
- Phase II (June 2027 – August 2028):
- Work continues with substantial completion before the start of the Fall 2028 semester.
Portables and Campus Logistics
To accommodate student and staff safety during construction during the 2026-27 school year, portable buildings will be utilized on-site for some classrooms:
- Capacity: 32 classrooms across 6 buildings will be available for the entire 2026-27 school year. Impacted classrooms are accessed through interior doors in each portable building.
- Safety Measures: The portable area will be secured with 8-foot chain-link fencing and locked gates featuring panic hardware. All portables will include restrooms, controllable HVAC, and security systems (emergency phones, fire alarms, cameras, and PA systems) tied into the main campus.
- Covered Walkways: They will connect the main campus to the portables, except where they cross the fire lane.
Traffic Management – Fall 2026
- There will be a new temporary main traffic entry, parent pickup/dropoff area, bus pickup/drop off, and queuing area.
Construction Safety
Strict measures are in place to separate students from construction activity:
- Complete Separation: A complete separation between students/staff and construction workers will be maintained at all times.
- Personnel: All construction workers must pass background checks and wear badges.
- Access: Workers will use a separate entrance and park within the construction zone. Only authorized construction staff can unlock gates between the construction and student areas.
- Coordination: School leadership and the construction team will meet weekly to plan for campus events to minimize impact.
Athletics: Temporary Adjustments for 2026-2027
Due to construction, several athletic facilities will be unavailable on campus, and certain athletics will be moved off-site to nearby sites. Ongoing coordination and communication will take place during the school year. More information will be shared at a future meeting for athletics families
- Unavailable – Track, practice field, competition gym
- Available – Tennis courts and practice gym
Upcoming Meetings:
- Athletic Parent Meeting: Monday, July 27, 2026 from 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.
- Parent Meeting #2: Thursday, July 30, 2026 from 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Our top priority is to ensure a safe and smooth experience for all students and staff. This is the first in a series of meetings, and we are committed to keeping you informed throughout this process. Updates can be found on our construction planning webpage and the Bond 2025 website.
Thank you for your continued support of Apollo Junior High and Richardson ISD.
