Through referendums and legislation, Park has undergone a district-wide physical change. These physical improvements to the schools will significantly change the educational experience for students.
Sophomore Rick Zambrano said the changes positively impacted his learning, and that the new physical environments in the classrooms were beneficial.
“The new seats, new tables, new materials that we can use for learning, those things provide us a positive influence in learning,” Zambrano said.
Sophomore Kegan Wyekoff said the changes also created a beneficial learning environment.
“I feel like the classrooms, like the table designs and stuff, have more opportunities for more groups. And instead of just having to move desks around and stuff, it’s way easier,” Wyckoff said.
According to math teacher Kristin Johnson, the physical changes in the space open up new instructional methods.
“I’m really excited about having whiteboards on all the walls, so that I can have students do problems on the boards, and I can facilitate some group work better,” Johnson said.
Wyckoff said the variety of options in the classroom has assuredly made learning more positive.
“I feel like it’s definitely more diverse and more options to pick from, I like the atmosphere, and I think it’s definitely more spacious,” Wyckoff said.
When asked whether the changes affected his learning in a positive or negative way, Zambrano said all the physical changes have had a positive effect on his education.
“In a positive way, because there are new seats, new tables, new materials that we can use for learning, those things that provide us with a positive influence in learning,” said Zambrano.
Wyckoff, when comparing his education experience last year to his experience so far this year, said that it has been more immersive.
“This year has definitely been more fun, I feel like the classrooms have, like I said, the table designs and stuff, make more opportunities for more group stuff. And instead of just having to move desks around and stuff, it’s much easier,” Wyckoff said.
Johnson said kids are taking well to the newness of the upgrades, saying that it makes them more comfortable.
“I think students like the fresh look, the chairs are at some level entertaining to them, and I think they feel that it’s more comfortable in the classroom versus the old school desks,” Johnson said.
Correction – Oct. 26, 2024: The photo caption mispelled Tolzin’s first name as “Silvia.” The caption has been updated to correct the spelling.
