New year, new school makeover
As the new 2019-2020 school year began on September 2, many students were pleasantly surprised upon returning. While students and faculty enjoyed their summer vacations, diligent workers toiled daily in the burning sun for the new additions to the school.
One of the most significant renovations that the school underwent over the summer was the new entrance between the B-wing and C-wing, which had some students complaining about having to walk further just to be able to get into school. However, in addition to the new entrance, there is a new red-brick courtyard with benches and greenery where students can spend time with friends and gossip about anything and everything. Lucy Kim (9B) mentioned that she liked the new entrance between the B-wing and the C-wing because it looked “fancier and bigger.”
New lobby at the new MHS entrance Photo courtesy of Sara Tee (9C)
Right after entering the new school entrance is the newly renovated MHS lobby, which used to be the Chinese office. In the new lobby, a trophy wall to the left showcases the awards that SMIC-I’s students have won over the years (go Sharks!). To the right, a mural displaying our mascot and our ESLR’s can be seen. A few pillars with digital touchscreens, courtesy of our IT department, dominate the middle. From the weather information to recent school news, students should always feel free to go up to the screens and start tapping away!
New designated bathrooms Photo courtesy of Sara Tee (9C)
Moving onto a more serious note, one school renovation that worried quite a number of students was the adult designated bathroom. Many of the students felt that it was unnecessary, since it had never posed as a problem in the past. Lucy commented on this as well, saying, “To be very honest, I don’t see the point of having an ‘adult bathroom’ and ‘student bathroom’ because even before, students and teachers rarely saw each other in the bathroom…it causes more problems for both teachers and students. If a teacher is far from A wing and they need to use the bathroom quickly, then they would have to run all the way to A wing, and vice versa for students. It’s more problematic.”
On the other hand, looking at things from a teacher’s perspective, Ms. Molly Sternin seems to think differently of the situation. She said, “I was worried that separating the bathrooms would be an inconvenience for teachers and students, so I appreciate that the designated adult bathrooms are in a central location that makes it easy for teachers to access the restrooms between classes!”
New C-wing Photo courtesy of Sara Tee (9C)
Arriving at yet another renovation, many students thought the newly renovated C-wing looked much nicer as its color scheme finally matched the A and B wings.
Newly renovated cafeteria Photo courtesy of Sara Tee (9C)
Although some students bring their own lunches to school because of special diets, many students are still eating in the newly renovated cafeteria. However, there have been complaints from students about the long waits in line for food, even though the school has been trying out a new queue system. Additionally, many students have been talking about how there is no longer a wall separating them and the teacher’s lunch areas anymore. While some feel indifferent about it, others feel awkward having to eat lunch in such close proximity with the teachers.
Through it all, whether or not you are new to SMIC-I, it’s important to focus on all of the conveniences and aesthetic improvements the new renovations have brought. Shark Scholar is excited for what SMIC-I has in store for us for the next school year!
Featured Image — New school entrance Courtesy of Sara Tee (9C)
By Sara Tee