Many students have walked past the new library and peeked through the windows to see the new library and classrooms, but only a handful have actually been up to the new classrooms to experience them.
The new library opened for student use on Monday, Aug. 20, and the four new classrooms added by the recent construction project were first seen by students on the first day of school. The finished areas include more space and options for Marquette students.
“The new classrooms excite me for the school year,” Paul Burns, Associate Principal said.
He said that although the classrooms are newer, there are not many differences between them and the old classrooms. Most of the classrooms in the school have a smart board, desks and a dry erase board. The new classrooms aren’t any better than the new ones, just newer, Burns said.
“We really needed the space, the teachers won’t have to move rooms as much during the day,” Burns said.
The finished library includes a larger computer area, softer seating, high tables, and wall of windows with an outdoor view. The new design also includes a conference room, long-distance learning lab, and “huddle rooms” for small groups of students.
“We really needed more space,” Mitchell said. “I guess I thought we were fine until I see how much space we have now. I think we have more things to offer students.”
Lafayette, Eureka, and Rockwood Summit all have new libraries, and our old library was not big enough to accommodate the student population, Principal Dr. Greg Mathison said.
Dr. Mathison said that while library rules will not change, the two huddle rooms will provide a space separate from the rest of the library for students to work together and the distance learning lab will give classes the opportunity to communicate with people and communities outside of school.
“There are only certain places in the school that all students can use and one of them is the library.” Dr. Mathison said. “We’re an academic school, and that should be our focal point.”
