Common Opinions about the Upper School Commons

ROSE MCLARTY, X

Form VII and VIII students are looking forward to themiddleschooldances.Lailah says that “In the student council, we got a committee started up for the seventh and eighth grade dance, ” which also takes place in February. The dances are a great opportunity to meet people from other schools and to bond with their classmates.

While the middle schoolhasalotoffuneventsand traditions,theseventhandeighth graders also feel stress in their daily lives. From suddenly going from lower school to getting a ton of homework every night, it becomes difficult to balance school work and fun. “The jump from seventh grade to eighth grade is taxing, and it's a common gripe to have here,” Lailah continued. Getting prepared for upperschoolcanbechallenging, which the seventh and eighth graders are currently experiencing, but we are excited for them to join us and we know they will be ready!

Theupperschoolcommonsisaplaceeveryoneknows, but not all may love it. The purpose is to be a space that is comfortable for students, but also a place to get homework done. Most can agree that it is in needofamakeover.Asmoreand more students are spending less and less time in the commons it is clear that the current space is not living up to these expectations nor embodying the spirit of the Upper School. Teachers and students alike are craving a new, reimagined commons. A running theme for upper school this year has been “community” and the commons needtoencouragethissentiment.

I asked some students working in the commons what they thought could improve the space and was met with a plethora of ideas. The majority of students want more comfortable seating, like couches and soft chairs. Other students would like more desks and tables.

Even Mrs. Abell agrees that the space is lackluster and “sad.” Abell suggests we should include some current student art to decorate the walls. I think we should hang string lights and garlands to add some personality to the space. Adding some lamps to tables could make the commons feel homier while increasing the lighting.

While there are many suggestions to improve the com- mons it is also crucial to note the aspects that students like. The out cove space in the back of the commons is where some juniors prefer to sit during their study halls. When asked about this space, students told me that they liked the whiteboards, the string of LED lights, and the long family-like style table where they can all collaborate.

It is clear that the upper school is craving a new and updated version of the commons. When it comes time to redo this space, I hope those in charge will take into consideration the ideas of the student body to create what aligns best with our needs. Given all the changes CSG has undergone this year, an updated commons is long overdue.