The addition of the new turf fields at East and South are currently in process. The students at both schools are unable to go outside for gym class and are facing parking complications because of the construction. Sports teams are now having home games at other location such as Transit Middle and are having practices in either the parking lot or other locations as well.
Assistant principal Ms. DeSantis claimed that there have been concerns about the limited parking at East; however, she stated that it seemed to be going okay. There are many students who drive to school every day who are having issues with parking and the construction occurring while students are arriving and leaving from school.
“As far as I remember, we were told that construction wouldn’t be going on during times where the parking lot was busy,” senior Mackenzie Mages stated. “However, that has not been the case. I’ve seen someone almost step in front of the construction vehicles the kid had headphones in.”
Due to the construction workers being at East during busier times and students not being cautious enough, parking hasn’t been the only issue since the construction has started.
Students at East and South are unable to go outside for gym classes due to the construction. The football field at South is complete; however, they are still unable to go outside because of the construction taking place towards the soccer field. Shamsul Islam, a senior at South, is upset that they are still unable to go outside for gym. Many students at East are frustrated with this issue as well. “The lack of ability to be outside for PE was particularly challenging due to AP exams, but the teachers did a great job of being creative,” she said. Students were unable to use the fitness room during the weeks it was used for AP exams.
The Athletic Enhancement Proposition was passed by 53% of voters and proposed to add $100,000 per field to the project. The construction at both East and South will be completed by this coming September. Construction workers are working on installing a concession stand and new multipurpose synthetic turf fields. North had the same construction done over the summer and theirs was done by September of this year. The ribbon cutting ceremony was on September 16th where North had a home game against Niagara Wheatfield, beating them 28-21. Over 4,100 people attended this ribbon ceremony in support of the school and their updated athletic fields. Superintendent Dr. Martzloff is pleased with the outcome of the North fields. “Together, we have built one of the most beautiful and certainly one of the largest, if not the largest, youth sport complexes in New York State,” he said.
Although some students and faculty are currently frustrated about the construction taking place, many will be looking forward to the ribbon cutting ceremonies that will be taking place and East and South.
