This summer SCH’s language hallway underwent renovations aimed at improving its overall appearance and functionality. While not every member of the community has noticed these changes the updates are notable and important for both the teachers and students.
The Spanish hallway is tucked away on the third floor of the Inn and, comparatively, is less visually appealing than the rest of the historical building. After years of asking to spruce up this hallway, Madame Kasten, the head of the language department, advocated to allocate money to refurbish the hallway and the classrooms. “The maintenance team painted the classrooms and hallway, took down the dropped ceilings in the hallway, painted the ceiling, updated lighting, and this year we are piloting some new furniture additions,” she explained.
Many of the Spanish teachers have expressed excitement about the renovations, with the goal of creating a more welcoming atmosphere. “We just wanted to, like, make it better looking. And you know, when things look better, people feel better,” said Karin Tinsley, an Upper School Spanish teacher.
One of the major renovations was raising the ceilings. The renovation began over spring break last year, starting with the ceilings being torn down, initially leaving many of the pipes and wires hanging and exposed. Now the ceilings have been raised and were painted over the summer to further enhance this space.
However not all the planned renovations were complete. “So there were a lot of renovations planned, and there were some renovations that happened,” Said Tinsley. Promises for new carpeting and white boards have been discussed, leaving many of the teachers hopeful for further improvements.
Many teachers anticipate that these further changes will be made during the upcoming winter break. Tinsley shared that, “I think they are planning to do some things during winter break. I did ask for this wall to be taken down and to make my classroom bigger. I don’t know if that’s going to happen.”
There remains optimism in the language department for future changes, but uncertainty still remains. Before the project began the teachers were asked for their input; however, many of the teachers agreed that their suggestions went unaddressed. An anonymous source claimed, “We were asked and did send over furniture suggestions; however whatever furniture they wanted they bought and they put it in our classrooms”
Despite some concerns over the feedback process, the faculty seems to be pleased with the changes made so far. Upper school Spanish teacher Mr. Knight stated,” I am so happy with the time they spent making this place better for both the students and teachers.”
As the renovation process continues, the hope is that the third floor language hallway will become an even more inviting and practical space for the SCH community.
“The changes in the physical plant are the most obvious changes. However, the most exciting renewal is how we have embraced and implemented new brain research findings about how people acquire languages. It’s what’s happening within our classrooms that is bringing the most excitement, feelings of belonging, and joy to both students and faculty.”
