As students and staff dive into the new school year, many teachers and students have decided to voice their thoughts on the new STEAM addition to our school.
High school math/science teacher Mr. Dobbe exclaims that he enjoys his spacious classroom, which makes it easier for his students to do labs efficiently. Science teacher Mrs. Pate’s favorite part is being able to put her human models around her classroom without hiding any in dark cabinets. Just down the hall, Ms. Kaycie likes how her vast new classroom can benefit students in all areas during art class. For example, she has an area specifically for her ceramics class, as well as her metals and glass class, which will be offered during the 2025-26 school year. Mr. Swan believes one of the major benefits is having windows and natural lighting in his classroom.
All science classrooms being in close approximation to each other is proving to be yet another great benefit because it makes it easier to share ideas and supplies while also collaborating with each other without missing class time. Along with enjoying the closeness of their classrooms, staff members also enjoy the new natural lighting from their very own windows. Lastly, the science teachers have agreed their new rooms and spaces are very well done, which will help students in the long run. Specifically, Mrs. Pate said, “It is a beautiful space with lots of potential.”
Meanwhile, downstairs one can find the brand new technical education and agriculture spaces. Both Mr. Linde and Mr. Miller believe that this new space is a good start in preparing students for pathways and careers in technology. Ms. Loerke is very optimistic about the future of the agriculture department, stating, “I’m so excited to see the opportunities that our students can experience through the potential of these new spaces,” including the new greenhouse and animal lab.
All teachers, both upstairs and downstairs, have agreed this change was very much needed. Numerous teachers have said this space feels a lot more welcoming for new and nervous students. As of right now, there are no new classes being offered, but many of the teachers are hopeful for new opportunities to arise in the near future because of this STEAM addition.
Lastly, many teachers commented on all the ways they are preparing students more after high school, with the most common answer being critical thinking skills. Critical thinking is a big focus here at Amherst high because it can help students make better and more thought-out decisions, be more creative and have a richer imagination; and lastly, it can help students with self-reflecting on past choices.
From a different perspective, here are some student views. An agreed-upon benefit is the helpful study areas. Many students enjoy using the upstairs tables to study with either each other or alone because of the quietness and nice layout of the area. Freshman Amelie Schoepke said she likes these areas because they are “better areas to study for quizzes and tests.” Similarly, sophomore Grace Roberts said, “I can study more efficiently with the new study areas.”
They have also claimed that they enjoy the new larger spaces in their classes to do labs in a more structured and less stressful way. And finally, the students can all agree that they are excited for the future of Amherst with all the new additions. Since agriculture has always been a big part of Amherst, the new classroom, greenhouse, and animal lab can help students maximize their learning opportunities with new equipment and resources.
Overall, these new updates were very needed and appreciated by teachers, students, parents, and everyone else in our community in multiple ways, including better enrollment, better learning opportunities, and a better environment.