Jane Carroll, Story Editor
Photo by Jane Carroll
As you walk down the school hallway, you might notice new TVs displaying the time, or hear a brand new bell tone ring across the school. These new features throughout NCHS arose from the newly implemented Public Announcement (PA) System, a three million dollar upgrade that enhances safety, communication, and learning across the building.
The equipment that allowed the new PA system to be installed came from the company Audio Enhancement, which offers multiple upgrades like microphones for teachers, small TVs attachable to hallway walls that can display the time along with marking the end of classes, and an advanced interactive intercom system.
Before these new systems were officially implemented into the classroom, among them the microphone network, the company Audio came to NCHS to give a presentation to teachers describing the use of the sound system and a brief tutorial for use. Their arrival brought upon a brief explanation and preview of the true capabilities and advantages that the new technology could bring to the high school.
Among the many benefits of these appliances, are the new academic advantages. Principal William Egan strongly emphasized the multitude of learning benefits. “All teachers have received a microphone used for class, not only to help students who are hard of hearing, but for all students to hear at the same audio level from every desk,” he said.
Photo by Jane Carroll
Microphones are designed for in-class use so all students can hear the teacher accurately if in the back of class. “Throughout classrooms, speakers are connected to the microphones that are either held or placed on lanyards that teachers wear daily to assist student hearing. A surround sound system amplifies the audio level equally around the room,” said Mr. Egan.
The microphones not only benefit student learning but also enhance the safety in the classroom. If a medical emergency were to happen, teachers are able to quickly contact the school nurses hands free. Through the new microphone system it allows easy communication with the front office for other safety precautions like fire drills or lockdowns.
In addition to this, a translation feature can now be implemented in the classroom via microphones. “If a student doesn’t speak English well, it has the ability to translate to their native language and translate back to English for the teacher,” Mr. Egan said.
The new installment of the PA system not only allows for greater technology in the classroom but new TVs have also been included throughout the school hallways as an additional upgrade for NCHS: these TVs serve to enhance safety. Mr. Egan explained that “during a lockdown the TVs in the hallway will display and direct students to get into the nearest classroom across the screen.”
Photo by Matt Sisser
The new system also involves an engaging intercom system that allows the front office to communicate with hallways, classrooms and different floors throughout the building with just the push of a button. This intercom will be able to aid in contacting teachers and students safely and efficiently.
Mr. Egan explained that if someone were to be in a hallway, they’ll know to get into a classroom. “There’s plenty of features from a safety standpoint that the system can do. We’re still trying to figure out other ways this system can help accomplish. The system can even give us brief announcements as well. It is very adaptable, in fact, I can control the entire system from this screen in my office,” he said.
This new system is specifically curated to fit every school’s needs, and can fit the needs of NCHS. “The sound system now gives us the ability to customize and make a new bell sound to our liking,” Mr. Egan said. “We have been thinking about only adding the lunch bells to certain classrooms depending on what lunch they take in order to limit distractions during the lunch block period.”
Overall, despite disagreements, the new system came saturated with endless advantages for the school, and all of these benefits can continue to aid students for years to come. “This system will bring the school community closer with all the benefits that this system has to offer,” Mr. Egan said.
