The two and a half year sojourn of Columbus High School students and staff is finally at an end. The building is complete and the students now are reaping the benefits of the many changes that have been made. The result of the community investment is an eye appealing facility. It also is an improved learning environment. Some examples illustrate this statement.
The new media center is large, beautiful and inviting. As many as three classes of students can be in the area at the same time. As a consequence, the new media center is used much more extensively than was the old one. Because of this, more reading, writing, and research is being done by the students. Perhaps equally important, the inviting locale makes the students much more positive about these activities.
Another example can be seen in the classrooms. Virtually every one of them has lowered ceilings with improved lighting. Most have also been outfitted with carpeting. The results of these changes include making the classrooms quieter. It is also easier now for students to read the print of their books. Thus reading and learning is easier and more pleasurable. The new lighting also reduces eye strain and improves the students’ ability to concentrate and fully take part in the learning process. Again, having a more positive physical environment helps the students enjoy school more and, as a result, increases their learning.
The hallways have similarly been redone. The new lighting, lowered ceilings, and new carpeting make them much more physically attractive. It also makes them much quieter which helps students concentrate in the classrooms. Finally, the improved passageways again improve the students’ attitude about school and make their time in school more satisfying and enjoyable.
Along with the media center the lunchroom is an area where tremendous change was made. Natural lighting was brought in, ceilings were raised, lighting was improved, attractive tile was installed, round tables were installed, the eating space was expanded, and a more open feeling was created. This improvement in the eating area again helps young people enjoy their lunchtime together. It creates a more positive décor that actually leads to better student behavior. It could be argued that the previously cramped and unattractive lunchroom at times created an atmosphere that led to conflict and low morale.
One could continue to go on with each newly remodeled area of the school and describe how it has promoted not only more positive student attitude but also better student behavior and improved student learning. We could talk about the auditorium, and how the improvements lead to better performances and improved attendance. The new entryways have created a very sophisticated impression that leads to excellent first impressions by guests. A new fitness room improves students’ opportunities to begin life-long wellness activities. New science and computer labs help students apply what they learn in effective settings.
Investing in facilities like this community did at CHS is a very wise decision. It pays off with improved student results. It also leads to a more positive perception of our community from those who may be considering a move to Columbus. The attractive school facilities will have a lasting impact on the quality and impression of our community. They enable Columbus to say to others, “We care about our children, and we are committed to be first rate in what we do here.”
Thanks, Columbus, for the foresight you have shown through investing in community quality and in our children. It will pay dividends long into the future as young people decades from now will continue to reap the rewards of the wisdom you have shown in improving the CHS facility.
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