Efforts to Become a “Modern School” Are Underway

WUHSMS is looking to update the building to provide a more integrated learning environment, efficient flow of human traffic and updated heating system.

According to Principal Garon Smail, this project is the first step in becoming a more “modern school.” The focuses will be on creating a higher quality learning environment, and re-thinking places that don’t function to their full potential, such as the cafeteria.

With an increasing emphasis on hands on learning, classrooms that were once sufficient now fail to provide students with the materials and conditions they require to be the best learners they can.

“If you look in a classroom today, it probably looks the same as it did in 1954.” says Smail.

1954 is when the main part of the building was built, followed by the addition of the middle school in 1968. This will be the first remodeling the school has seen in a long time.

Although the cost may be a concern to some, there is a grant to offset some, if not all of the expenses. The plans have not been determined yet, but an architecture firm is currently in the process of finalizing them.

When the time comes to shift the focus to the classrooms, there will be some opportunity for student involvement, according to Mr. Smail, meaning we can look forward to watching some changes happen around the school sometime in the near future.