Audrey Carr, Arts and Tech Editor
@audreyccourant
This summer, NCHS began the process of updating the entire roof and the patio outside of the cafeteria.
The roof renovation was part of a long term vision that came to fruition after being funded by the yearly budget. “There were leaks all over the building. It was due for an upgrade,” Principal William Egan said. “From an environmental standpoint it probably saves on energy costs if you have a roof that is functioning properly.”
The roof was expected to be completed before the start of the 2021-2022 school year. However, heavy rain delayed the project 20 days, pushing the completion date into the start of the school year. Initially, Mr. Egan was concerned, but the construction machines have so far not yet affected the traffic flow. Thanks to the work of campus monitors, students are able to get out of the parking lot by 2:15 at the end of the school day.
Alongside the roof project, NCHS is also installing a new solar panel system. Facility Manager Dan Clarke plans for the solar panel project to be completed by early Spring. “It will provide power for the Dunning Field lighting system and the school building,” Mr. Clarke said. “It will reduce the amount of purchased utility power and increase our energy efficiency.”
In contrast with the roof renovation, the idea for the back patio to be renovated is new. Traditionally, the back patio was where senior students ate lunch. But last year, the back patio’s purpose expanded to provide outdoor seating for classes. In accordance with mitigation strategies, students are able to take off their masks while outside, making it optimal for teachers to teach on the patio.
“We are working with the PFA to add planters and flowers to the patio,” Mr. Egan said. “The PFA also got new tables. In the Spring, the pavers are going to come back to stamp the patio and make it a different color.”
Every face to face interaction is meaningful for students’ academic and social experience. “The feedback from students and teachers last year was how much they enjoyed being outside and being in fresh air,” Assistant Principal Kristi Carriero said. “The patio renovations give students an opportunity to continue to utilize the outside more regularly.”
