By Aarav Sapra
The Williamsville Central School District Board of Education has disclosed information regarding Williamsville East High School’s building layout. It is rumored that the school will be adding walls to most of its classrooms. Historically, the no-walls concept has kept East High School unique. While some may argue that the no-walls concept is a distraction because classrooms are tightly packed together, and noise from one classroom can be heard from another, some students enjoy the idea.
Junior Nay Mai says, “It differentiates East from other high schools in the district or Western New York. The classrooms feel much more spacious without the third wall, and I think it’s nice to have something like this.”
Some students, however, dislike the lack of walls and the increased traveling of sound between rooms. Junior Manjiri Rane says, “Sometimes, the no walls concept can be a bit annoying. It’s tough to concentrate, especially on the third floor, where the library is closer to the classrooms, and it’s very distracting when working on assignments or tests.”
Senior Angelina Tang adds, “On the first floor, I feel more comfortable and can concentrate better in my classes… especially when it’s an actual classroom, and there are no external noises from students in the hallways or from the commons.”
Only a few details have been put out, but the East High School reconstruction will take place during summer break. They will reconstruct each classroom on the 2nd and 3rd floor, and a movement of the main office and guidance offices will occur. The library is set to be removed for the entirety of next year because of the changes in the floor plan, but the school district will open up and set construction for a new library near the music rooms, which is expected to be more spacious and quiet. The Williamsville Central School District Board of Education has also announced that no student, including the outdoor sports complex, will be allowed on the school’s premises during summer break. Summer school is to be held at Williamsville North High School instead. The Board of Education has also announced that some classrooms will no longer be part of the reconstruction next school year. This includes some classrooms like 210, 308, 322L, and 207.
Although Williamsville Central School Districts are changing the uniqueness and quality of East, they have promised that this school will continue to flourish with its added changes. These renovations will enhance the concentration and grades of many students, and the atmosphere of the school will feel much more elevated and modern. They promise the new renovations will continue to make the students and teachers happy. Yet, in the end, it all depends on what the students and teachers want. If everyone feels happy about this new change, it may be for the better.
