Building Updates at SJHS

It has been a decade since the school last received major upgrades , occurring in 2016, which included direct instructional technology enhancements in classrooms, as well as a complete renovation of the entrance, student center, and performing arts center. However, many new changes were made over this past summer, with even more expected to come.

At first glance, students noticed the empty space where the vending machines used to be; they have been relocated to the student center, much to the relief of English teachers.

 “Traffic at the vending machines was quite disruptive while we were trying to teach classes. Refilling the machines, trying to ‘free’ a stuck bag of pretzels...these situations all contributed to a lot of extra noise during class time. All in all, locating the machines to the Student Center seems like a good solution,” Mrs Christine Crandle ,English teacher, said. 

The former vending-machine area will be utilized for "The Closet,"  where students can browse and take or swap free, used seasonal clothing, opening October 1st. This year, there will be a QR code where students can anonymously request specific items and receive them through their guidance counselor.

Along with the changes to the vending machine, the school enhanced the building's visual appeal and navigation by painting walls in school colors and installing designated hallway signs to help with directionals. 

Several classrooms have also been repurposed. 

Two labs in the language hallway were conflated to create a new space across from Mrs. Britton for Freshman Ignite, a program where students learn English, US History, and biology in an interconnected manner during the first three hours of the day, and the former CAD lab was converted into a STEM lab and received new carpeting.

The science hallway received a partial roof replacement. Mr. Joe Haydon, science teacher, noted that he and his classes were impacted every time there was rain, whether it was moving a recycling bin to catch dripping water or, in more severe cases, moving classrooms; he stated it had been that way since he started working at the high school. 

Additional changes are planned for the Student Center when funds are approved if not this year then in the near future. This would include new furniture, an improved more permanent stage, and empowering stairs stating words of encouragement and school values. The proposed seating will include square and rectangular tables in various sizes to accommodate students working or sitting individually and in groups.

By Grace Sheldon