Known for its large student body and crowded halls, especially when attempting to leave the campus, this year presents more challenges while construction takes place on the main exit of the building.
Renovations to the front of the school, which will include new offices and the elimination of the temporary buildings outside, started before the end of summer. These renovations have closed off the outside area near the auditorium making it a struggle to enter and leave the building, especially for bus riders.
“The construction makes the walk really long,” freshman Havrik Larson said. “It is stressful because I’m always worried my bus is going to be right on the brink of leaving.”
With more than 3,700 students, leaving the building is bound to be hard, but with the new construction, it’s more challenging than ever.
“I come from Geometry all the way in the freshman wing, so I already have to go all the way across the school,” Larson said. “The construction makes it an even longer walk.”
Although seen as an inconvenience to most students, more hold an optimistic attitude through the changes.
“I am excited about the new building,” Larson said. “I can’t wait to see how it’s going to look.”
Not only are students keeping a positive attitude, but they are also adapting to the new changes put in place due to the construction.
“Students have been really, really receptive,” principal Thomas Hensley said. “We’re still in that ‘figuring it out phase’, but I’ve been real impressed by the student’s response. I’ve not had a single student come up and be frustrated by the long walk.”
While students have done a great job so far, Hensley is always looking for ways to improve.
“We’re still trying to get faster, but students have done a great job so far,” Hensley said. “Buses are getting out at about 12 minutes [after the bell rings], but we’re trying to get that closer to 10.”
While stressful at the moment, the renovations will bring much-needed new space to the campus at the start of next year.
“Full completion of the project will be start of the 2024 school year,” Hensley said. “There will be a net four new classrooms, but it’s mainly to repurpose the T-Buildings and move those classes inside.”
Until the construction is complete, students have to hurry down the crowded hallway, but their struggles will be rewarded with brand new classrooms and a new building.
“Ultimately it’s really disruptive,” Hensley said. “But when it’s done, it’s going to be nice, really nice.”
