Stonington — Even though students at Deans Mill and West Vine Street schools will return to active construction sites on Tuesday, school officials say they have taken numerous steps to ensure they are safe and their learning is not disrupted.

Both schools are in the midst of a $67 million expansion and renovation project that is slated for completion in January of 2019. This school year, students will attend classes in the existing buildings while crews work on the additions. Parking and traffic pattern changes have been made to each school and former grassy areas can no longer be used for recess or gym classes. At West Vine Street, floor tiles and dropped ceilings have been removed.

“We recognize it’s not an ideal situation but it will be OK for one year. The building committee feels comfortable that the buildings are 100 percent safe for staff and students,” K-12 School Building Committee Chairman Rob Marseglia said.

As for parking and traffic, Marseglia said the committee recognizes “there will be some growing pains but we don’t anticipate any problems.” Memos have been sent to parents outlining the changes with maps.

He said extensive air testing has been done and there are no signs of the asbestos and polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs, that were used in constructing the schools 50 years ago.

While gym classes will be indoors, recess will be outside on fenced-in and paved areas.

“It was important for us and the principals that the kids get outside,” Marseglia said.

As for safety, he said the Gilbane Building Co., the contractor for the project, has installed chain link fences and locked gates so workers can get in and out without students having access to the job sites.

“Gilbane has done these projects many, many times. They have taken numerous precautions so students can’t get in,” he said.

As for noise, he said Gilbane, which also built the high school, will work to minimize noise during the school day. If there is going to be a period of loud noise that can’t be avoided, the company will inform the principals about it and how long it will last.

Both Deans Mill Principal Jennifer McCurdy and West Vine Street Principal Alicia Sweet Dawe said their respective schools are ready to welcome back students. They added that Gilbane has been very responsive to addressing any concerns they have brought up about the construction site.

“I’m not worried. I’m excited,” said Sweet Dawe.

McCurdy said her school's parent-teacher organization is working on new ideas for recess and she understands there may be some challenges along the way.

She said teachers are positive, flexible and ready to make any needed adjustments.

“We’ll make sure the kids are safe, learning and having fun,” she said.

j.wojtas@theday.com