Introduction
Design Process
Design Narrative
Site Plan/Floor Plans
Pedagogical Foundations
Classroom Wings
Collaboration
Robotics
Fine Arts Suite
Design Lab
Outdoor Learning
Athletics
Safety & Security
Brand Identity
Welcome to Gus Almquist Middle School in Hutto Independent School District, a school collaboratively designed to support district growth and provide equitable learning opportunities for students. The focus on authentic collaboration, for both students and staff, athletic and fine arts opportunities, meaningful learning experiences, as well as upholding the modernization expectations of the Hutto community, will allow students to succeed and meet their potential.
This User Manual will benefit the campus leadership and staff who educate children in this middle school environment. This manual includes a description of the design process, building design, and suggestions as to the use of the innovative spaces that have been purposefully designed into the building for instructional purposes.
As Hutto ISD began planning for a new middle school, a Curation Team was reconvened to update instructional priorities and teaching practices first discussed in the October 2019 and September 2020 meetings. On December 10, 2021, the team gathered once again to reflect on current instructional approaches, district goals, and the broader academic direction of the district.
Using VLK’s Curriculum and Instruction Planning Questionnaire, the group engaged in meaningful dialogue around teaching and learning at the middle school level. The conversation focused on instructional delivery, academic programs, specialized curricula, district-level initiatives, and the continued importance of Hutto ISD’s culture in shaping the student experience. Specific emphasis was placed on the district’s implementation of blended learning, student ownership, and the need for learning environments that support flexibility, collaboration, and personalized pathways. The team also considered spatial design elements that promote interdisciplinary teaching, outdoor learning, and career and technology integration, reinforcing the district’s commitment to designing a future-ready middle school that aligns with its instructional vision.
Rooted in the district’s mission to ignite a passion for future-ready careers, the reimagined campus blends exploratory learning with real-world relevance through a dynamic central courtyard that serves as the heart of the school. This vibrant hub connects directly to science, CTE, art, and general education classrooms, creating immediate and meaningful links between academic content and hands-on application. A one-of-a-kind esports arena, connected to an elevated library, embodies the district’s commitment to tech-integrated, career-connected learning and serves as a venue for robotics competitions, student showcases, and community events. Learning spaces throughout the campus promote collaboration, personalization, and a strong sense of belonging through flexible, adaptable environments that support a variety of instructional approaches. Framing the courtyard, the stage, cafeteria, and classrooms are filled with natural light and views of the district-wide mascot, creating a bright, welcoming environment that fosters student well-being and school pride.
ADMINISTRATION
ACADEMICS
SCIENCE
CTE
SPED
FINE ARTS
ATHLETICS
CAFETORIUM
COLLABORATION
SERVICE
COURTYARD
ADMINISTRATION
ACADEMICS
SCIENCE
CTE
LIBRARY
COLLABORATION
The learning process is dependent on student engagement (Schlechty, 2002). When students experience a sense of belonging and support, they are more likely to engage authentically, make positive behavioral choices, and achieve deeper levels of learning (Osterman, 2000). Creating emotionally and physically safe environments is essential to fostering this growth. Grade-level communities, or wings, enhance engagement, particularly in middle school, by promoting strong peer and teacher relationships, cross-curricular collaboration, consistent behavioral expectations, and timely academic and behavioral support (National Research Council, 2004). Purposefully designed with the adolescent learner in mind, collaboration spaces within each classroom wing provide flexible environments that promote peer interaction, inquirybased learning, and student choice in how they engage. Collaboration spaces enhance learning by offering students opportunities to participate in hands-on, collaborative activities that support active knowledge construction (Piaget, 1952). Research shows that these environments not only improve focus, motivation, and productivity but also contribute to emotional well-being, positive socialization, and a sense of autonomy (Oliveras-Ortiz et al., 2021). When students learn in intentionally designed spaces that foster ownership, connection, and belonging, they experience higher levels of engagement and academic achievement (Oliveras-Ortiz, Bouillion, & Koprowski, 2023).
Schlechty, P.C. (2002). Working on the work: An action plan for teachers, principals and superintendents. San Francisco: JosseyBass.
Osterman, K. F. (2000). Students’ need for belonging in the school community. Review of Educational Research, 70(3), 323–367. National Research Council. (2004). Engaging schools: Fostering high school students’ motivation to learn. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.
Piaget, J. (1952). The origins of intelligence in children (M. Cook, Trans.). New York, NY: International Universities Press.
Oliveras-Ortiz, Y., Bouillion, D. E., & Asbury, L. (2021). Learning spaces matter: Student engagement in new learning environments. Journal of Education, 201(3), 174–182.
Oliveras, Y., Bouillion, D., & Koprowski, S. (2023). Social Emotional Learning Practices and Learning Spaces (p. 31). University of Texas at Tyler.
Each of the three classroom wings is dedicated to a single grade level: 6th, 7th, or 8th, giving students a place to learn alongside their peers. These separate wings help build a strong sense of belonging and community within each grade; 6th grage is located on the first floor, and 7th and 8th grade are on the second floor.
The Create space redefines the traditional classroom by offering a more flexible learning environment. Create spaces may include both wet and dry project areas, adaptable furniture, various writing surfaces (including mobile options), advanced technology, and ample natural light. Within a classroom wing, Create spaces may connect directly to collaboration areas to extend the learning environment.
Within each classroom wing are mid-sized Impact spaces, that facilitate learner-directed group work for about 10-12 students. Impact spaces are a part of a family of shared spaces intended to be utilized by multiple groups. This area contains flexible seating, white boards, digital displays, and power for charging devices. Impact spaces can be used to provide for group independent time, pull-out space for specialized curriculum, or an area where extensions of the lesson can be accomplished.
Exchange Spaces are the largest of the collaboration space types. These flexible and multipurpose areas are designed to support a variety of learning experiences, including presentations and large-group activities. They can also serve as an alternative to the traditional classroom setting, offering a dynamic environment for cross-curricular projects such as art or science explorations. This Exchange Space adjacent to the Library also serves as the E-Sports Arena. It features a large digital display wall and tiered seating for hosting competitive video gaming events.
ESports Arena/Exchange
Library
LIBRARY
The Robotics Lab is a flexible, technology-rich environment designed to support hands-on, active learning. Purposefully designed to ignite curiosity and foster collaboration, the space empowers students to pursue their passions through engaging, real-world experiences. Supporting key components of career and technology education pathways, the lab offers opportunities to design, build, and test innovative solutions. Students engage in authentic, future-ready learning that prepares them for success beyond the classroom.
The Robotics Lab includes student workstations, a flexible layout, storage, computer access for coding, and proper safety equipment.
A dedicated Fine Arts wing provides an environment for specialized instruction dedicated to content and craft that inspires others. Creative expression, academic connections, and active learning will be experienced within the Fine Arts area. Band, Orchestra, Choir, and Dance spaces are acoustically isolated from the academic wings while maintaining proximity to the performance space in the cafetorium. Art studios have exterior doors connecting them directly to an art patio.
The stage, located within the Cafetorium provides a performance space in the heart of the building. The large stage also serves as the drama classroom with operable wall to separate the classroom space. Rooted in inclusive design, the centrally located, accessible pathway transforms the stage into a place where every student feels seen, valued, and included offering all learners the same shared way to take the spotlight.
Positioned at the front, not off to the side, it reimagines performance spaces by removing barriers and inviting every student to shine with confidence and belonging.
Located within each classroom wing, the Collaborative Team Space serves as a professional hub for instructional teams, designed as a space to support effective teaching and continuous improvement. This dedicated space empowers educators to engage in lesson planning, instructional collaboration, student progress monitoring, data analysis, and the sharing of best practices. The environment fosters a growth mindset and ongoing professional learning, ensuring that teams are equipped to meet the ever evolving needs of their students.
The Creative Commons, an enclosed central courtyard, functions as a secure, multipurpose outdoor environment designed to support a wide range of academic and creative learning experiences. Outfitted with mobile furniture and shade structures, the space is ideal for performances, presentations, collaborative projects, and group instruction. Robotics and Science Labs connect directly to the Courtyard. Surrounded by glass, it floods the interior with natural light and provides intentional opportunities for outdoor learning, appropriate social interaction, and creative exploration. The integration of nature into the school environment supports the well-being and developmental needs of adolescent learners by encouraging movement, connection, and reflection. Its flexible design allows teachers to schedule time as needed, making it a valuable and adaptable resource throughout the day.
The athletics program is intentionally designed to promote pride, sportsmanship, and perseverance while supporting intellectual, physical, and emotional balance. It encourages students to take healthy risks in pursuit of long-term goals, fostering discipline and resilience.
VLK’s mission is to deliver tailored safety and security solutions that support and enhance the built environment. The team is committed to proactively identifying and managing risk through comprehensive planning, expert insight, and ongoing education. By empowering clients with knowledge and collaborating closely with local first responders, VLK helps create strategies that prioritize protection, resilience, and improved quality of life, ultimately contributing to a safer, stronger community.
During the design of this campus, safety and security were foundational priorities. Specific features include:
• Clear line of sight from the administration area to the parking lot
• Sliding marker boards over classroom windows to enhance safety while maintaining instructional flexibility
• Balanced use of natural light with integrated blinds to support visibility and well-being
• Security gates to compartmentalize the building
• Intentional separation of public and private zones within the building
• After-hours zoning to limit access to specific areas
• A secure, controlled entry vestibule for visitors
• Strategic interior layouts to maintain line-of-sight and visibility across common areas
• Fenced courtyard
ORANGE C: 13% M: 76% Y: 100%
3% WHITE C: 0% M: 0% Y: 0% K: 0% R: 210 G: 93 B: 18 #D25D12 R: 255 G: 255 B: 255 #FFFFFF
