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.\u00a0 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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 \u201cMore in harmony with the village,\u201d 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The new school is intended to create a clean, friendly environment for students since such spaces can reduce violence and promote students\u2019 mental and physical health. Students are able to focus better when they are comfortable as well. Research shows that having \u00a8green spaces\u00a8 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, \u201cIt really makes teaching and learning a pleasure because of the positive aesthetic.\u00a0 She also appreciates her ability to turn the heat on or make it cooler\u2026 and\u2026open the windows, as well as my view being beautiful with excellent light.\u201d Everyone appreciates the heating since last year it didn’t work in most of the classrooms. Mrs. Duncan also said, \u201cI 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.\u201d ( I was the student that hogged the heater.) There’s more places for students to hangout and the teachers love the staff lounge.\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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, \u201cThe classrooms are big and feel unfamiliar and strange,\u201d while another responded with \u201cYes, having an actual school makes me want to do my work in a way.\u201d I think students feel negative towards the new school because the old school felt like \u201cIt was a part of our community; we made it our own space.\u201d\u00a0 There were nice historical aspects but it was a little too old’ many things were breaking; however a student said, \u201cThey should’ve stuck to the historical look of the town instead of the modern look.\u201d Some students say they love the new school and the modern approach while others think it’s \u201cbland\u201d and \u201cdepressing.\u201d However, students enjoy having this change as a senior said, \u201cThe new school makes me feel like a true American boy!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00a0Now 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sources <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\/<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Outdoor Education for School Grounds, https:\/\/www3.uwsp.edu\/cnr-ap\/leaf\/school-grounds\/documents\/outdoor%20education%20research%20for%20school%20Grounds.pdf<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n