By: Diana Padilla
Photo by Jett Zwahlen
The 600 and 700 classrooms will get new heating, ventilation, and air conditioning units here at El Diamante. According to Principal Nelson, teachers from these buildings must temporarily relocate to portables in the 900s while the HVAC system is being fixed. This move will occur through five phases, each aligned to the specific work done in each classroom. Each phase will take about 14 weeks to complete, and after the work is done, teachers and students will return to their original classrooms. Phase I started over Winter Break with Rooms 601-608 moving into the portables.
“I believe it will be an inconvenience, but overall I think it is going to be worth it,” the head of the AVID Program Mrs. Jacobsma says.
“I have had a lot of problems with the air conditioner in this class. […] I’m hopeful it’ll be worth it.” The HVAC system has been troublesome to many, so teachers are grateful it is being addressed.
However, many teachers also overall express concern about the HVAC systems in the classrooms not being ready when expected, but Principal Nelson has full faith that these portables will be fully ready to support students’ learning.
With the portables, there are several concerns about how classrooms will run. Currently, many teachers rely on technology and certain aspects of their classrooms to teach. Since they will be teaching in different classrooms, teaching methods might also have to change to accommodate their new work environments. AP Language and Composition teacher Mrs. Perez states “I am a little worried the way I use technology and the way I use my books won’t be replicated when I’m over there.” Film Studies teacher Mr. Abbot also expresses concern about technology and wonders if there will be enough screens/projectors to teach his film class. ASB Advisor Mrs. McBride says, “I am worried that the construction could be delaying things. […] Portables are very narrow and I’m concerned about the work we normally do and how it will be done in those classrooms.
Photo by Jett Zwahlen
Principal Nelson states, “The move [to the portables] will not affect student learning. Our teachers have had time to prepare for the transition, and the classrooms in the portables will be fully equipped to support a productive learning environment.”
While it is clear that some adjustments will have to be made (for some classrooms more than others), we can trust that our teachers and advisors will help guide us through this change and won’t let it affect students’ learning. This change will benefit both teachers and students. In the meantime, while we get used to the portables, we can look forward to more comfortable 600s and 700s buildings in all kinds of weather.
Alfonso Reyes Vazquez and Jett Zwahlen contributed to this story.