HIGH SCHOOL JOURNALISM: Washington students like renovations

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By Brandon Cullen, Washington freshman

CEDAR RAPIDS - Although there are some minor issues with with the temperatures, the staff and students enjoy the renovated rooms at Washington High School, associated principal Valerie Nyberg said.

With central air and heating, the new rooms help the students concentrate more, Nyberg said.

She thinks the windows are the best thing about the renovations because “they are very attractive and let in a lot of light.”

Nyberg said all the renovations will be completed by  August 2015 and thinks the construction workers got as much work done as they could before the summer ended.

"People complained because they just didn't like the classrooms,” Brittany Cullen said about the old rooms.

According to Cullen, it was hot, uncomfortable, sticky and smelly before the renovations. She said  the new rooms are cooler and more open with the light coming in from the new windows.

“They are helpful, quieter because the ceiling is lower, the central air makes no noise, can adjust the lights, seems cleaner,” Traci Mooney said.

Mooney said it is easier for students to learn in the new environment,and they can see the board easier. The students are much happier about having cool rooms during hot days.

Wash is undergoing a $9.5 million renovation, according to The Gazette. The money comes from local taxes, which kicked in July 1, 2012. The total cost also includes a $500,000 grant for a new geothermal system and $1  million was set aside for Washington's new auditorium.