The high school has needed new classrooms for the past few years. Throughout the 2022-2023 school year, new classrooms went under construction and are now in use. They are located on the bottom floor, as classrooms 056 and 017 converted to classrooms 032, 013, and 012. Teachers and students alike are reaping the benefits of these additional workspaces.
In 2019, the school started considering adding new classrooms on the lower floor. Later, a school district bond funded some renovations to be made in the school, causing new rooms to be added to the building. Enrolling the classes that are now taught in the rooms suggested the need for these rooms to be built. However, some rooms in the building needed to be removed for the construction to happen, which led to moving the district’s business offices out of the high school. In 2021, construction began. Rooms 013 and 012 were already built at the end of last year and opened up for use, only adding cabinets to be used this year. Room 032 also finished construction this year, taking more time to complete. Before the recent developments, room 032 was the superintendent’s office, and rooms 013 and 012 were special education classrooms. Now, many of these rooms contain a wide range of courses. English classes are occupying rooms 011E and 011F.
However, the Art department has profited most from these additional rooms. Previously, there were only two designated areas, which proved limiting. Currently, AP Art and Design, Advanced Art, and Drawing and Painting, all taught by Mrs. Fallon, have found a place to flourish. Likewise, room 013 has Photography, taught by Mrs. Cherashore and Mr. Doyle, Art History, and Studio in Art 2D, taught by Cherashore. Room 012 features Ceramics and Studio in Art 3D.
“It’s made such a difference for the art students,” said Mrs. Fallon.
While the new art rooms play a significant role in the additions, numerous additions have been made outside of that area. Room 033 is the new and improved bridge room, which includes offices for teachers and a vital academy room. The bridge academy room was originally 133, but now that room is used to teach computer science and engineering and has been enlarged to accommodate the learning in those classes. The bond work has also led to a new orchestra room in the annex. Furthermore, rooms 011D, 011E, and 011F have been added to the lower floor for other class purposes. Even rooms that are not a part of the bond are introducing themselves to the school, such as 207, next to the fitness center.
These new additions are crucial to expanding our academic pursuits. While there are no plans for more construction, art teachers are excited to have finished spaces finally. The district also has plans to renovate the fitness center and weight room, which is expected to be finished later in the year or by next year. However, the new additions have been beneficial to students and teachers alike, as it has benefited learning in those areas.
