New School Upgrades: Aesthetic Boost or Morning Headache? Students Weigh In on Campus Changes

When students returned to school on September 5th, they were greeted with a new wall and repaved paths in front of the school near the Peace Garden entrance.

Laila Springob, a senior, expressed her satisfaction with the new look, describing it as a significant upgrade. “It makes the school look less like a prison and more like a school,” she said. Laila also noted that the new passageway has improved her morning routine. “It used to be grass, and people would cut through it, so I’d always get mud on my shoes. Now, with the new paved area, that doesn’t happen anymore.”

However, not all students share the same enthusiasm. Nicole Anez ’25 voiced a more critical perspective, feeling that the new layout has caused problems with bus traffic. “It makes it look more like a prison,” she commented. “Now, bus 2 is always late, and I can’t see it coming from the science wing. I either have to wait outside or go to the peace garden.” She added that the increased congestion has made her mornings more stressful, “It’s so crowded getting in and out of the bus, and there’s less space to wait.”

Maile Wright’25 offered a more neutral view, explaining that she arrives early, so the changes have impacted her as much. “It doesn’t really affect me since I come around 7:40. There’s no buses or crowds,” she said, However, she did note that the aesthetic improvements have made a positive impression on her. “The school looks better, and there’s more to look at than just the boxy building.”

As the new construction continues to shape the school’s appearance and daily operations, it’s clear that students have differing perspectives on the changes. It would be interesting to see opinions change in the future as there are more changes to come.

photo credit: Lucas Rosario ’25