VIEW GALLERY: SHS Student Advisory Committee Offers Input on High School Building Project
One of the common questions the Salem Building Committee members receive is why Salem High School students are being consulted on the building of a new high school from which they will be long graduated by the time it opens.
On Monday, the SHS Student Advisory Committee met with Dr. Ericka Eitland, Co-Director of the Human Experience at Perkins & Will, the architectural firm designing the new Salem High School.
“We’re asking these students to be involved because no one knows better what the students of this school need or want even though they won’t be students at the time the new high school opens,” said Ms. Eitland.
Also on hand were Amanda Wilkinson (SHS Class of 2011), a special education educator and co-advisor to the SAC; and Dr. Stephen Zrike, Superintendent.
Survey responses from students centered around wellness and mindfulness spaces, improving dining spaces as well as ‘cozy’ spaces in which students feel supported.
SAC members met in three groups and wrote post-it notes with their thoughts and recommendations on whiteboards as Ms. Eitland visited with all three groups to facilitate their ideas. Recommendations included:
Academic Space
- Projectors
- Chrome book chargers
- Tutoring corner
- Comfortable furniture, plants and even soft music
- Enough windows to reflect natural light
- LED lights where needed
- Different-sized spaces for small groups
Dining space
- More open space to lessen crowds
- Natural light
- Open lounging and more relaxing spaces
- Outside spaces to eat meals
‘Cozy’ Spaces
- Inside and outside
- Combination low-toned and natural lighting
- Versatile, movable furniture easily arranged custom to groups
- Optimal waiting space for activities
- Accessible and open before and after school
- Connected to school counselors
- Quieter bells and announcements
The next Salem Building Committee meeting is Thursday, Apr. 10 (6-8:30 p.m.) which will be led by the SBC Sustainability Working Group.
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