Upon entering the building and surrounding school grounds, this year, there are several changes to the student spaces including new furniture, technology and memorabilia. The USD #393 community recognized a need to update the space to modernize the learning environments, with an emphasis on creating collaborative spaces. USD #393 Superintendent Justin Coup states, “As you look around the state of Kansas, small communities are either thriving or dying. I’m proud to say that this community supports the school and supports the future which will allow us to grow and thrive.” Changes to the high school commons allows students to learn in an adaptive setting, new whiteboard desks allow middle school students to brainstorm in a unique way and new historical placards implement pride into the halls, just to name a few. The tour begins at the District Office entrance where you are welcomed with historical memorabilia; from trophies and photos to Elmer Taylor’s letter sweater and track spikes. There is new carpet and seating in the high school commons for a flexible learning space with options to sit on couches, high top tables, or moveable cushion chairs. Cameron Herring, so., stated that he likes the variety of tables and chairs as well as the vibrant colors that were brought into the space. There is a portable smart TV which allows students to tackle different learning styles and challenge themselves to work in groups in a more adaptive setting. Senior student, Kennedy McMillen, says that she likes that the space allows for the option to sit with friends and bounce ideas around and feels that “[students] learn easier not being in the traditional classroom.” This space has transformed into a unique learning space for both teachers and students. Justus Nordgren, so., feels that the space brings a “sense of community among the students.” High School Principal Liz Krause agrees and adds, “I was so excited to be part of creating a space for our students with both their academic and personal growth in mind. Throughout the process, we asked the designers to keep in mind that we wanted a space for collaboration, creativity, connection, all while providing a comfortable environment where students can relax, engage with peers, and explore new ideas. I love the way it turned out!” The next stop on the tour is the cafeteria and commons where Solomon pride is on full display. A large neon sign in the middle of the Hall of Fame shows the gorilla mascot. Solomon’s motto, “Learning Today, Leading Tomorrow,” is now printed high up on the wall; a reminder for students, teachers, and staff. Finally, and possibly the most memorable change, is the mural on the balcony proudly showing “Home of the Gorillas” which ties in photos of the students and community. Next to the cafeteria are two new additions in the gym: goal lights and a Dr. Dish CT+ Basketball Shooting Machine. As students use the shooting machine, their averages are tallied and coaches can use the data to create more strategic workouts. During games, the lights are engaged any time there is a timeout, end of quarter or halftime as well as if a shot is off. These new features allow more assistance for officials, teams, students and coaches. Basketball Coach Kyler Stein proudly said, “a lot of the bigger schools [have the light feature], not so much the smaller schools.” Since installation, the statistics showed several thousand shots logged all before the first home basketball game. Moving upstairs to Tina Rollins’ middle school math room, new whiteboard desks are the primary seating area for students. The changes in this room especially highlighted the need to create collaborative spaces for students. Rollins requested new desks last spring and was taken by surprise when she came back for the new school year, she walked into the room with Coup, and exclaimed, “I felt like a 5-year-old on Christmas day! I dropped everything in my hands and made a happy dance.” With the whiteboard tables, students can follow along during difficult math equations, or collaborate as a group. Rollins added that “[the students] write, it’s quicker, more efficient, I need less materials,” and is excited about the opportunity to use her classroom in collaborative and creative ways. Next on the tour is the new HP Printer that, while not visibly featured in our student spaces, is present in the printed projects on the walls. Coup saw that the possibility in this large printer would be beneficial for the district long term, both financially and educationally. To date, the printer has been used for printing senior banners, yard signs for school events and banners for the play and concert. As the tour comes to a close, the last notable space change is on the football field. After the update of the track, scoreboard and concessions, there was a need to update the commercial sign on the press box. It is now a restored “GOrillas” sign on weather resistant material, aligned with the Solomon school branding. Coup stated that it was important that all updates “tie the past with the present.” Thanks to the efforts from the USD #393 community the school is full of gorilla pride. Students have several spaces to learn collaboratively and creatively. The school is thriving each year because of the care and passion that those involved have in facilitating adaptive and unique learning environments.
View the photos here.