Currently undergoing construction, the new Middle School will replace Crosman Hall to reflect a 21st-century learning environment.
This year, middle schoolers are housed in temporary classrooms, called Virtue Village, a brand-new modular space located on the tennis courts. It is similar to Crosman Hall but has even more security: more cameras, updated fire prevention systems, and keycard access.
Virtue Village consists of two buildings: Respect and Courage; the sixth grade and Form I will occupy Building Respect while Form II will reside in Building Courage. Celebrating the beginning of the new school year, Virtue Village welcomed many parents in a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house.
Faculty and staff settled into their classrooms throughout August and are adjusting to the modern environment.
“I love [Virtue Village]. I think there is great energy and light in them. They are a lot bigger than my expectations, so I think it will provide a great space for our boys to learn and grow this year,” said Middle School language teacher Mrs. Kerry Kettering-Goens.
The middle school faculty and staff showed their overwhelming approval of Virtue Village as they adapted to their new classrooms.
“I am still going to be able to implement a lot of things the same way I did before.”
Mrs. Kori Brown
“I think I am still going to be able to implement a lot of things the same way I did before. Because we’re all together in this tightly knit space, I will try to make it fun for the students too. We will try to get out of the space occasionally, so we don’t feel a bit claustrophobic. I’m assured it will not take too much adapting,” history teacher Mrs. Kori Brown said.
Although it seems that the logistics have not changed dramatically, the question of how students will adapt to Virtue Village remains. Middle schoolers will have a short commute to arrive to art, theater, and music in Centennial Hall, but all other classes will happen in Virtue Village.
Still, some faculty are hesitant about the students’ adaptability to Virtue Village.
“I think the students are going to find it a bit tougher because it’s going to be close quarters. Instead of using lockers, they will have to utilize cubbies. We’re going to have hooks for them to hang up their belongings, but they won’t have the same space like Crosman Hall,” Mrs. Brown said.
The classrooms in Virtue Village are new and beautiful, though. Many teachers highlighted the efficiency that the village brings, especially for the Second Formers that will not have to travel through the outdated basement of Crosman Hall.
You must be logged in to post a comment.