As a senior transfer student , I came in with an open mind, ready to adapt, meet new friends, and learn in a fresh environment. However, one thing that caught my attention immediately is that several of the classrooms aren’t designed to actually make learning comfortable for the students.
Don’t get me wrong; Lewis has numerous advantages: excellent teachers, welcoming students, and a strong sense of community. Still, the enthusiasm of learners is not matched by the actual classroom setting. Many classrooms make learning more difficult than it has to be–from clunky equipment, and weak lighting to outdated furniture and poor temperature control.
Most of Lewis’ teachers are already doing their best with what they’ve got. It’s the school’s infrastructure that has not kept up with the demands of the modern classroom. After only a year here, I can say confidently that Lewis deserves an upgrade, which would be beneficial for both teachers and students at Lewis High School.
For example, air circulation and temperature are crucial issues. This is because some classrooms seem like you’re entering into a freezer, while others are so heated that it’s difficult to remain awake, as senior Hoa Lai noticed. “Especially the rooms without windows, they get stuffy fast,” Lai said.
Sophomore Lam Nguyen noticed different climate zones throughout the building. “Every room is different. Some feel way too hot while others are freezing. It’s annoying, especially when you’re trying to focus.”
Each classroom has some sort of classroom thermostat, but the actual temperature is controlled off-site and not at the regulation of Lewis staff.
When it comes to furniture, many triangular desks are simply too small for high school students to do assignments. It’s tough to spread out a worksheet, Chromebook, and notebook all at once without running out of space. Several tables are also wobbly and uneven, and the plastic chairs feel like they’ve been here longer than most students.
Nguyen points out the shortcomings of the existing student furniture. “The ones we have are way too small. I can barely fit all my stuff when we’re doing assignments. And a nicer chair would help, too,” Nguyen said.
There is also the problem with technology coupled with projector lighting. Although Lewis is a school which values digital learning, many of its classes lack the right equipment. It can be difficult to view presentations in certain classrooms since projectors are positioned on tiny rolling carts.
Nguyen brought up the issue of how loud the speakers may get when positioned close to student desks. “The volume gets loud which actually hurts my ears,” she said.
Furthermore, another potential issue is the lighting of the Epson projector. It is difficult to focus or take notes in several rooms due to the weak yellow lighting. “The words on the slides are already small, but the yellow light sometimes makes it tough to read from the back,” Lai said.
Some people might argue that these are only small disturbances within a given school day. Nevertheless, discomfort, distraction, and poor visibility create significant barriers that impact both instructors’ delivery ability and students’ learning.
Social Studies teacher Patrick O’Brien pointed out what a major role the HVAC system plays in classroom comfort. “If it’s hot outside and there’s no AC, it’s hard for anyone to feel comfortable and concentrate,” O’Brien said.
English teacher Christopher Ingram agreed, explaining cooling problems within his own classroom. “From August through October and May through June, the room is extremely humid, causing discomfort to students and myself,” Ingram said. Additionally, Ingram stated that the loud noise produced by the school’s solution, a classroom dehumidifier, actually makes teaching tougher.
So what can we do about it?
First of all, Lewis should prioritize upgrading the ventilation system and work with FCPS’ central offices to fix inconsistent temperature control. This will ensure that learning spaces are cozier and comfortable.
Second, the school should invest in updated new classroom furniture–not extravagant furniture but simply desks that properly sit on the floor and seats that help students concentrate for extended periods of time.
Last but not least, all classrooms should have ceiling-mounted projectors, white bright LED lighting that does not waste too much energy, along with improved audio systems that don’t blast students sitting nearby or make it far too difficult for students seated at other ends of the classroom to hear.
I know that these adjustments couldn’t happen overnight, because every school has to deal with limited budgets. However, if we really care about fairness and supporting each student’s success, then improving better learning spaces is not an optional but essential.
Let’s make sure that the classes that freshmen enter reflect the values and ambitions of John R. Lewis High School. Learning can only flourish when the environment is supportive to learning.
