When students arrived at CHS on the first day of school, there was machinery everywhere, piles of dirt and mud, limited student parking, and, let’s face it, the school looked like a wreck. The students may have thought the renovations have been unproductive and only hurt the school. However, among all the things we saw, the changes that have been made are much better than you think.

            Over the summer, the school saw many crucial changes. The bathrooms in the old building have been switched, and there is now air conditioning throughout the school, along with automated lights. Also, most of the windows have been replaced; they now open and close and are asbestos free. The floors and walls also saw refurbishment.

Although it may seem like a nuisance now, these changes have benefited and will continue to benefit students now and in the future.

            The pros of the renovations are the air conditioning throughout the building, the bigger cafeteria and patio to come, an asbestos-free school, and the new larger Dark room. We also have a completely redone student parking lot, all new windows in the old building, clean and redone bathrooms, and, of course, some of the new classrooms in the old building.

            There are a few cons to the renovations. Some include a limited amount of student parking, a very crowded cafeteria for now, and the distraction of construction can tend to be a distraction for the students. However, in the long run, the many benefits out number the few prices we are paying.

            While we are at school this year, workers will continue the renovations on the school. They are working on a new activity room, expanding the cafeteria, and finishing window replacement. The music rooms and classrooms are being redone. A closed-in breezeway to the art building is in the works, so that when it rains the art building will not be flooded. Also planned is a bigger patio in the outside lunch area, so that we will have more room to eat and socialize outside.

            Teachers and students are affected by these renovations, but overall have adjusted very well, and they are anxious and excited for the finished product.

            “[The renovations] are a little demanding, but the rewards are tremendous,” said Principal Deb Bittner. “I was most anxious to have the air conditioning, but now that that’s done, I am anxious for the cafeteria.”

            Students are most excited about the air conditioning.

            “It’s really cold; I’m not used to the air conditioning,” said junior Briana Hamiel.

            According to Mrs. Bittner, the renovations are a bit ahead of schedule. All in all the renovations have been shaping up very well. They are going to be an immense help to CHS in the future.