The new addition to the Upper School was a multi-faceted, 32-million-dollar project that transformed the art and science wing of the school and brought the Saints community the beautiful new commons area and cafeteria. Now that students and faculty have lived in the new space for a full school year, The Voice checked in with them to hear their thoughts and ideas on how to further bring life into the space. Most students praised the expanded gathering areas, bright open floor plan, and sleek modern feel, but the one piece of criticism they also took note of was the fact that the space still feels “bland” and “soulless.”
One student’s response to a survey posted by the newspaper noted, “I don’t like the general grey color of [the] building; it feels prison-like. I am also not the biggest fan of the newest installations, because there used to be art made by the students in those areas of the building, and I thought that was a better representation of the best parts of our school.” In fact, the majority of student responses to The Voice survey echoed similar sentiments, remarking that the space felt too “sterile” and it “doesn’t really feel lived in.”
Upper School art teacher Mr. Bunnell, whose classroom was included in the renovation, praised the new space by commenting that “the natural light is amazing and the space is open so you can use it for lots of activities.” He went on to say, “What I’d like to see is a little more student art in the commons area, but I’m not exactly sure how that would happen.”
Many students enjoy the artwork on display in the new space, specifically the Peterson Family art display. One student shared, “The lower level with all the artwork is great. When the large sculptures of people were on the walls upstairs, I loved seeing them as I came down the main hallway. That was a great place to display art.” However, the artwork upstairs was recently replaced with a large philanthropy wall dedicated to the donors of the new building.
This feature is largely unpopular with students. One student criticized this installation, voicing, “They replaced all of the student artwork that was hanging up with TVs and plaques just to honor those who donate a lot of money to the school. I feel like it makes the schools look less like a school and more like a museum.” Another student noted, “I get that people want to be recognized for donating, but I think where they chose to put it just makes the space look disgustingly modern and sterile.” One student suggested using the walls to instead “celebrate the achievements of the students,” creating a more student-centered atmosphere.
“It improves the library culture because it can now provide folks with a quiet place to study and socialize in a more subdued way. It keeps kids from having to sit on the hard hallway floor, in desperate need of a place to relax between classes. It is sunny, bright, pretty to look at, and actually somewhat easy to keep clean,” shared Dean of Students Ms. McGuire. She continued, “My hope would be to have even more student art on the walls. I would hope that our walls are filled with beautiful pieces in both the area of the school that is not renovated, as well as the newer area. I think it’s a fantastic idea for students to have more shows that perhaps showcase just one student, or several students, and become something that different kids sign up to do.”
Art teacher Ms. Elkins shared, “I’m really excited about how it feels like a blank canvas, ready for anything! While some of the walls might seem a bit bare right now, I think it’ll just take some time to fill them up. Already we’ve seen clubs and departments start to add creative displays as they take ownership of the space–things are naturally coming together that reflect our amazing and creative Saints!”
