As we walk through the hall’s of our new school, one thing is clear – it is a very nice clean space, it’s modern, and … a little bare. While this fresh start was well needed compared to our old building, without the decorations, student artwork, and posters plastered around the walls this space lacks a home feeling. Making this building feel more like an empty shell of a building. 

So the big question is how do we bring life to our new learning environment? 

A classroom isn’t just a place for students to learn, it is where they spend hours every day, studying, collaborating, and holding discussions. The atmosphere of a classroom can influence their focus, creativity, and overall comfort. 

“I feel that the classroom’s not having decorations makes it a less comfortable learning environment”, says Corinne Chadwick, a senior here at THS. 

With the lack of decoration in our school many students feel that this space is more sterile than inspiring. For many students and teachers this new space feels impersonal. 

One of THS’s art teachers, Mrs. Murphy states that the absence of color and artwork is greatly missed: “Of course I want to see more color and artwork hung. I’m grateful to have bulletin boards and magnets. I am waiting patiently to hear about hanging stuff on the walls. In the future, it would be wonderful to find space for student murals.”

While the current restrictions that we have make it difficult for teachers and students to customize out school there is room for creative problem-solving in the future. As students and staff continue to voice their opinions for a more creative school environment, the hope is that in the future we will be able to achieve that. But until then THS remains patient for change.