Construction in the freshman commons brought the addition of two new classrooms. The area, previously utilized for socializing, additionally houses an art display.

The old freshman commons was named because it was in with most of the freshman lockers. This was the area that students distinguished as an area to relax and talk with friends in between classes. Now it is occupied by two new rooms with an art display. One of rooms is for theater classes.

“To perform little acts, there is a black wall in the curvature of the room and there is a big mirror for makeup for shows,” junior Christopher Allebach said.

Besides the new rooms, one of the more notable additions is the display case. Art currently has a display case that takes up a proportion of a wall. Here, the Art students’ best work is showcased for students and teachers to look on as they pass.

“I think it is really cool that the school is finally getting around to new stuff for the art students who work hard,” sophomore Kayla Dowd said.

The new rooms have limited the space for students, making it more crowded in the halls. Because the old commons allowed students to disperse, the halls now are a very busy area of the school during the passing periods.

“Mr. Hamik moved into one of the new rooms out of B-02 so that he could create a room conducive to his curriculum,” Assistant Principal Nathanial Bacon said. “B-02 is now Mrs. Hoglund and Ms. Schutte’s room and new room is Mrs. Eoff and Mrs. Bartman’s room. We had lots of room changes over the summer due to adding a variety of student centered resources to our building.”

The addition of the display area gives art students the opportunity to display their work in a manner that is similar to a gallery. It like small room, or window display case, where pieces can be exhibited, but also protected.

“It makes me want to put in even more effort and make sure everything is as perfect as it can be so I can be proud of what I put out and what I want people to see and understand my art,” Dowd said.

One question that will be asked is, was this in the budget.? Recently the school has a new track, new football field lights, and a new weight room.

Costs of construction are always a concern. However, Assistant Principal Nathan Bacon explained the source of the funding.

“These rooms were a part of the Bond and approved by the School Board, due to the construction needs our building was going through,” Bacon said.