This year, along with the new Ideas Institute, came a special new addition: stairs. This new element has changed how students and teachers move throughout the school day.
For many, the stairs have been an adjustment. “I’d rather take the back stairs sometimes because I feel like it’s not as tiring as the front stairs,” said junior Gracin Borboroglu. Junior Hannah Harrington agreed that the stairs can be challenging.
“I’m very winded when I get to the top of the stairs.” Even the teachers have noticed a physical difference. “I love being upstairs, and I love the cardio I get coming up and down,” said math and AP Research teacher Cathy Koos.
Getting to class on time has also been harder for some students.“When I have to go from upstairs to my next classes it takes the full five minutes,” said junior Emma Buchwald. Borboroglu added that moving between buildings can be difficult.
“I feel like it’s harder to get around campus because I have sixth period upstairs and seventh period in the 200 building so it’s a long walk.” junior Brooke Ellingson said. She has adjusted her mornings, noting, “I have a class upstairs first period so I have to leave the parking lot earlier to get there in time.”
The upstairs has also changed how connected people feel. “I feel like having an upstairs is weird now because I feel so far away from the rest of the students,” Buchwald said.
Jon Theiler shared a similar feeling from a teacher’s point of view. “I love the new building, but strictly from a proximity point of view, I do feel a little isolated,” he said, explaining that he no longer sees as many students walking past his classroom.
Despite some challenges, many students and teachers enjoy the Ideas Institute. “I feel like I’m getting in a workout throughout my day,” Harrington mentioned, even though it can feel crowded.
“Overall I don’t think it’s very inconvenient and I like the stairs in the new building,” said Ellingson. Mrs. Koos also mentioned one of the positives is looking out the windows to see the beautiful view.
Overall, the Ideas Institute has brought a mix of excitement and adjustment to campus. While the stairs and longer walks take a little to get used to, students and teachers have been able to adapt and look on the bright side.
