School environments affect students greatly. For example, there are schools that appear more like prisons with metal detectors, metal bars, and are bland, and this can have a negative effect.  Other contributing attributes are when a school isn’t clean or maybe it has no school spirit. This makes students not want to attend school. Students may be distracted by these surroundings which makes it harder for them to learn. Research shows that having a positive environment increases attendance and academic achievement. 

With students and staff finally moving into the recently constructed high school, I thought this would be a good time to see if the new building is having a positive impact on students. I interviewed students and teachers about their thoughts on the new school. The responses were very 50/50. 

But first some background: Our new school cost 15 million dollars, which was more than expected. The remodel was designed by Quattrocchi Kwok Architects and built by Lathrop Construction. Our school principal, Tobin, wanted the exterior of the building to fit “More in harmony with the village,” by aligning the roof with what he sees around. The project included energy-saving additions such as all electric features that can be combined with renewable energy features in the future that will bring our school to carbon neutrality. It also features low water use fixtures, water-saving landscape irrigation systems, smart lighting, high-quality roofing, insulation, and double-glazed windows to help control indoor temperatures. 

The new school is intended to create a clean, friendly environment for students since such spaces can reduce violence and promote students’ mental and physical health. Students are able to focus better when they are comfortable as well. Research shows that having ¨green spaces¨ or having the chance to learn outside can improve creativity, problem solving and hands-on learning. According to Mrs. Duncan, a History and Civics teacher, the new building is accomplishing these goals. She says, “It really makes teaching and learning a pleasure because of the positive aesthetic.  She also appreciates her ability to turn the heat on or make it cooler… and…open the windows, as well as my view being beautiful with excellent light.” Everyone appreciates the heating since last year it didn’t work in most of the classrooms. Mrs. Duncan also said, “I 100% feel more comfortable in the new school than the old classroom (computer lab) that I was in the last few years. The heat didn’t work so it was freezing, and I had one student who hogged the little portable heater and sat around it every day so it was pretty difficult.” ( I was the student that hogged the heater.) There’s more places for students to hangout and the teachers love the staff lounge.  Where our high school is located we are lucky to be able to go outside on walks to the beach or just being able to go outside to learn. It has had a huge impact on how I’ve grown up learning and has helped me.

As I interviewed students if the new space affected their learning, most responded with yes, positively and negatively. Some appreciate the new space while others find it uncomfortable. A senior said, “The classrooms are big and feel unfamiliar and strange,” while another responded with “Yes, having an actual school makes me want to do my work in a way.” I think students feel negative towards the new school because the old school felt like “It was a part of our community; we made it our own space.”  There were nice historical aspects but it was a little too old’ many things were breaking; however a student said, “They should’ve stuck to the historical look of the town instead of the modern look.” Some students say they love the new school and the modern approach while others think it’s “bland” and “depressing.” However, students enjoy having this change as a senior said, “The new school makes me feel like a true American boy!”

 Now we have to start all over and make the new school feel as if it belongs to us. Adding student art in the halls or making another mural, like the old school had, could be a start. After Covid and staying in portables, it was a different experience than usual. It now feels like a normal high school experience for students, running into your friends in the crowded hallways and having an actual office and library. Before, the classes were so spread apart I never saw anyone, and there was no where to hangout inside. I really like being in the new school and appreciate how much work they put in. 

Sources 

Council for Children’s Rights staff, The Effects of a Positive School Environment, July 18th 2019, https://www.cfcrights.org/the-effects-of-a-positive-school-environment/ 

Outdoor Education for School Grounds, https://www3.uwsp.edu/cnr-ap/leaf/school-grounds/documents/outdoor%20education%20research%20for%20school%20Grounds.pdf 

Mary Benjamin , Remodeled Mendocino High School open its doors,The Mendocino Beacon, September 4th 2023 https://www.mendocinobeacon.com/2023/09/14/remodeled-mendocino-high-school-opens-its-doors/