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While Washington High School is no exception to this norm, students also have experienced additional changes that have impacted the school year. Fences, trailers and construction equipment line the parking lot reminding the community that something monumental is happening at Wash High.
Multiple changes have occurred while renovations and construction workers have occupied the building for over a year.
Although construction crews did not uncovered the enigmatic swimming pool rumored for decades to be hidden beneath the school’s basement, they instead have been busy renovating the facility, making it a state-of-the-art 21st century learning center while maintaining Wash High’s character.
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The sub-basement, once the center for tech-education, has been transformed into a modern educational facility. The LGI, large group instruction room, has the latest technologies for an enhanced stage experience. At the ground level, the cafeteria gives the feeling of entering a university atmosphere, where friends can sit and mingle in the newly modernized, revamped cafeteria. Upon entering the gymnasium, one feels a rush of nostalgia as it has been masterfully retouched with a gleaming gym floor and original wooden seats.
According to principal Frank Rotunda, “The gym is the best I’ve ever seen.”
Classroom updates maximize the learning experience with Smartboards and projectors as standard daily tools. The new, spacious, tastefully decorated library boasts new technologies as it has become a state-of-the-art media center. Just walking through the new hallways invokes school pride with Prexie colors integrated into the décor. All of these improvements, however, have come at a price.
In order to accomplish such impressive makeovers, sacrifice has been necessary. Occasional disruptions and inconveniences have occurred for both students and faculty, but WHS has dealt with the changes in a positive manner.
As district superintendent, Dr. Roberta DiLorenzo said, “Everyone is looking past the short term inconvenience to the long term benefit.”
The custodial staff at Wash High has shown diligence throughout the renovation process in consistently maintaining the facility keeping it both functional and clean, despite the daily construction. Both students and faculty have displayed a positive attitude through the process.
“If you cannot change your circumstances, change your attitude” has become commonplace as students and faculty rise to the occasion navigating through the inconveniences.
Rotunda said, “Students have been outstanding – flexible and resilient – through the whole process.”
Rachel Sharp, a senior, has an explanation for this. “The Wash High character that you are taught carries through the construction and you deal with it well … Prexie Pride teaches you to make something out of nothing.”
Some may ask if it has been worth all the effort. At the conclusion, this renovation is not only producing a beautiful school, but a high tech environment in which future Prexies will continue to thrive.
