School News

Beacon photos by Sara Bruestle

By Sara Bruestle

The Beacon

At the old Lynnwood High School, sophomore Scott Dotson would sometimes feel claustrophobic in the classroom.

It was just nauseating how sometimes Id go in and out of all these classrooms and there werent any windows, he said.

A lack of windows wasnt the only problem Dotson had at the old school.

Sometimes he couldnt hear his teacher. Sometimes he couldnt see what was on the projector because its cart or an arm was in the way. And sometimes he went back and forth between needing a jacket and needing a fan.

But those arent problems anymore.

Classrooms at the new LHS, for which there was a dedication ceremony last Saturday, are equipped with state-of-the art technology, from ceiling-mounted projectors to wireless microphones and lights that automatically dim as daylight increases.

A passive ventilation system maximizes the circulation of fresh air and energy-saving boilers provide efficient heating to classrooms, too.

I can hear everything, I can see everything and Im not uncomfortable, Dotson said. In general, Im learning better.

Teachers and students agree the modern technology and roomy design of the new classrooms provide a better learning environment.

Bigger classrooms

The classrooms are much bigger than they used to be, said senior and ASB president Cooper Robertson. Its a whole different feeling.

Math teacher Glenn Chinn used to feel cramped in his small classroom at the old school. Moving around the room was difficult, so he sometimes felt trapped at the front of the room.

With a more spacious room, Chinn can go freely from desk to desk helping students with math problems and incorporate more group work into his teaching.

Chinn said his students seem more awake and tuned in to tasks in his new classroom, thanks to better air circulation and natural lighting from windows and skylights.

Every class is set with its own air circulation system, so every single classroom feels nice and fresh, Robertson said.

Wireless microphones

Students can hear more clearly now that teachers have wireless microphones that transmit to ceiling speakers, said junior Grace Roberts. She no longer has to strain her ears to listen to teacher instruction.

The microphones also help when students are doing presentations, Roberts said. If someone is quiet, they can use the microphone so everyone can hear the presentation.

Spanish teacher Jan Cullor likes how the microphone system helps students hear the subtle sounds of another language.

I dont have to project my voice as much, she said. And since I teach a language, I can project the tapes and CDs with the mike and all students can easily hear.

Cullor also likes how classroom projectors are now mounted to the ceiling and operated by remote control. She doesnt need to fidget with the projectors cart anymore.

I dont have to move the projector close or away from students, Cullor said.

Dennis Friedman, a career and technical education teacher, appreciates the space and instructional tools available to him at the new school. But, he said, teaching is really about the students and staff.

While the building has given me a better work space, it hasnt changed what Im doing, Friedman said. All that aside, the real heart of the school is the people.