The North LRC is finishing up the final touches of its recent remodel, decorating the newly renovated space in brand new couches, chairs, tables and bookshelves. After five years in the making, the remodel began shortly after classes were dismissed in May.
“I worked with Mrs. LaPorta and Mrs. Lewis, and we worked with Amanda Stuber, who is the facilities director for the district,” said Ben Wagoner, LRC director. “We needed small spaces for kids to work, but we [also] needed to make other sections for other things to happen.”
The renovations include the transformation of part of Courtyard A into a new space for the Math Lab and the new Testing Center, while part of Courtyard B’s space was converted into two small student labs, which provide another work space for students. The labs can be reserved in-person or via email during study hall periods and after school.
“It’s the student labs and the think tanks that students can reserve. Just go and talk to Mrs. Castellani or myself,” said Wagoner.
The new Math Lab space in particular is already making an impact. The Math Lab operated out of the LRC last year as an alternative to working out of a classroom like previous years. While the Math Lab teachers and student consultants managed with last year’s setup, the new space with four walls and a door is appreciated, according to Math Lab teacher Lizbeth Walker.
“I think it’s making a difference. We did the best we could last year and I think kids still benefited
from being in Math Lab, even if it wasn’t a space that wasn’t ideal for it, but it’s definitely better to have the space this year,” said Walker. “They created some beautiful spaces for so many people. The Math Lab, Lit Center and the Testing Center all have these amazing spaces now, which is really, really nice.”
Students are either assigned to the Math Lab by a teacher to work there daily, or can drop in for help at certain times during the week.
“If [students] are doing a drop in, they’re allowed to come in Tuesday and Thursdays during the B portion of their lunch study. We also have, for the first time in many years, an open third hour math lab so students can come in if they happen to have a study hall during third hour,” said Walker.
As far as LRC rules go, not much has changed. Students looking to spend time there during their study halls need a pass from an academic teacher, and Wagoner still asks that no food is brought into the LRC, aside from student consultants in the Literacy Center and Math Lab who give up their lunch periods to be there. It is also expected that students remain quiet and respectful of others during their time there.
“The expectation is, when you’re coming in, you’re doing work. You’re doing something using this space. If you just want to come in and read a book, that’s fine, but you’re coming in and you’re quietly respecting other people around you,” said Wagoner.
Aside from the new collaborative spaces and seating, Wagoner is excited about the increase in bookshelves that improve the display of the library’s book collection, making the shelves less crowded and look more aesthetically pleasing.
“You can now see so many more books displayed. It looks full, but it’s so much more visually appealing,” said Wagoner. “It just looks so nice.”
While there are still some finishing touches in the works, the space is now able to meet the initial mission of creating more resources for staff and student benefit.
“Our goal is to have a place where kids can get the help they need, they can get resources they need, [and] classes can still come down [to work] in an awesome environment,” said Wagoner. “We’re always looking for ways to make this a better experience for kids.”
