First impressions of SUHS campus
As Sutter Union High School students returned to school on Aug. 23, some woke up early to be first in line for schedules, some were terrified of their first day at a new school and some had trouble getting their lockers open. Although every student had a unique first day, all were aware of one particular new face: the campus.
On June 3, 2008, there was a bond on the Sutter County ballot called Measure T. Many of you are probably familiar with the plan to create a two-story building at SUHS to replace the 10 portables behind the gym. The bond received nearly 66 percent approval and was set into action.
The first phase of construction focused mainly on ensuring that students would have classrooms to sit in on the first day of school. Therefore, the entire second story is now complete, containing eight classrooms, and two more classrooms on the ground floor are finished.
A few final adjustments need to be made, and then we can transfer the library to the new building. Yet the question to ask is: Was this new addition to SUHS truly beneficial? Let's consider both the students' and teachers' perspectives.
In the big picture, classes move on, students come and go, but the true residents of the classrooms are the teachers. They are able to give the most objective, thorough assessment of the new structure.
Mrs. Finitzer, one of the lucky individuals who moved into a new room, said, "I love it. I don't care if I have to walk up stairs. It's good exercise." She not only considers the new classrooms an enhancement but also a "morale booster" to the whole faculty. Others teachers upstairs concur with Finitzer: The new building is definitely an improvement.
Although most students will only spend four years at SUHS, and about a half of that time in the new facility, their opinions give us a completely different point of view. Teachers focus on the number of electrical outlets and whether there is enough room for file cabinets. Students concentrate on whether the pencil sharpener works or if the desks are comfortable.
Sam Foster, a senior on the varsity volleyball team and ASB president, said, "The classrooms are definitely an upgrade from the portables. I appreciate the school and community putting students first." Sam's experience at SUHS provides a reliable judgment of the building. Minus the inevitable climb required between periods, the building has received its stamp of approval from the students.
The voters who approved Measure T expected a new building at SUHS; they expected a few new classrooms and new library. Yet none of those voters knew the entire effect the building would have on campus for learners and staffers. The facility has exceeded the hopes and dreams of both groups.
Measure T has not only provided a facelift to SUHS, but also a sneak preview into the future of the school construction. I am here to verify — the first step was truly a success. On behalf of all of Sutter Union High School, thank you, taxpayers!
McKenzie Kimball is a senior at Sutter Union High School. His column appears every sixth week in Education.
