First Day at the New PDHS is “Smooth”

The new Palm Desert High campus opened to students on Monday, and it was your typical first day of school. Students asked where their next class was, friends reunited after the summer break and parents just hoped to get out of the parking areas with a minimum of frustration.  

The school itself has a simple architecture, emphasizing the large grassy commons area in the middle of the school.  The partially shaded commons can also serve as a small amphitheater with stage.  

The campus also places an emphasis on security, with fences
and gates at all entrances. All students and staff members also wear photo IDs on lanyards around their necks for quick identification. Student IDs are also further color coded by grade.

“It’s gone very smooth,” new principal Bob Hicks said. “If
parents making wrong turns [to exit the parking lot] is the biggest problem, it’s been good.” 

Palm Desert High’s second incarnation took three years to complete, with the official opening of all buildings today. Landscape work continues on the campus, as does the construction of the new poolhouse and aquatic center. 

Demolition of the old school buildings continues behind the new gym, in view of students in some of the classrooms.  Once demolished, new athletic fields will be built on the former educational site. Completion of the sports fields is expected in the spring.