Remodeled finger building classrooms improve learning environment

By Aaron Schwab
Staff Writer

Over Winter Break, a transition from the old rooms to the renovated finger buildings occurred. With the new technology and a cleaner workplace, the classrooms have improved the learning environment for the students at Costa.

Phase II of construction began in June 2013, which involved the modernization of all classrooms in the MCHS finger buildings [40s-70s buildings]. Completed at beginning of December, teachers and students prepared to move to the new buildings in order for the school to begin Phase III of construction, the creation of a central congressional quad and new music buildings.

According to the Manhattan Beach Unified School District Board of Trustees, everything within the buildings has been upgraded to more modern methods. Every room contains a Smart Board, an interactive whiteboard, along with multiple regular boards. Rather than a small, stuffy, and overall disruptive environment, the new built in speakers, and ventilation have been modified to create better surroundings for the class.

According to Junior Ariel Floro, the rooms are updated in terms of just about everything. The walls and technology being used and the rooms are much cleaner than the rooms before, staying consistent with the math and science building, creating the ideal, cohesive learning environment for students.

Teachers began to pack up all their items and prepare for the transition when the modifications were finalized in December. Over winter break, staff members and construction workers both worked to move all of the furniture and items from the old buildings into the newer ones. According to Spanish teacher Erin Doyle friends, families and students of staff members helped. Most teachers were able to finish the move on time, making the move successful although it was a fast transition.

The windows are all sealed off and some students claim that it will lower the amount of ventilation within the room. But the sealed windows muffle the sound outside that could otherwise distract the students. According to junior Wyatt Wiggins, there is still a constant flow of fresh air into the rooms and it is a lot quieter inside the classroom. This makes it easier for students to focus on lessons.

Despite the rushed time frame, the combination of many factors including a cleaner, quieter, and more technologically advanced classroom provides students with an improved leaning environment.