One Brick At A Time

NAI continues the on-going effort to improve the physical space of the school

Autumn B-C and Abby Birch|February 27, 2018

This school year, students began walking on floors with no tile from the over summer NAI renovations. At this point in the year, the staff works hard to keep our new floors polished and clean making it the best place they possibly can.

The renovations included new structural differences, more of our school colors spread throughout the building, and the North Allegheny logo in the front of the building when students walk through the main doors. But they don’t plan on stopping there.

NAEye recently interviewed Dr.Hyland, Principal of NAI about his intentions to make the building more aesthetically pleasing. Just recently, administration added couches outside the main office and patio.

Along with these comfy hangout spots, he purchased two ottomans in hopes to “make it more modern and less ‘50s school classroom style’”, Dr. Hyland said. Hyland’s main goal is to make students enjoy coming to school more.

One of the most common renovations that almost every classroom has are the Promethean Smart Panels, which are essentially interactive boards on wheels. The boards allow teachers to walk around classrooms more easily, involve students in lessons, and provide more interactivity, and decrease  “the front of the classroom” style, which prioritizes the never-ending lectures that students dread. 

table
New charging tables soon to arrive at NAI

In addition to classroom furniture upgrades, Dr Hyland ordered “charging stations” for the couches in Tiger Hall. These stations will consist of all types of phone cables with the NA logo spread over top and painted with school colors. Hopefully, this will allow students to lounge for a couple of minutes in between classes, during lunch, or study hall and boost their phone battery percentages.

Dr. Hyland also  has come up with numerous ideas for the outside courtyard, one of which is to decorate it with lights, tables, and some other fun features.

“The idea is to make it a hangout place for students especially in the fall and spring time”, Hyland added.

Also pertaining to the courtyard, Dr. Hyland has an urge to take out the awkward “tombstone” eyesore that has no real meaning.

“You have to spend 7-8 hours in this building almost everyday, why wouldn’t we want you to like it here?” Dr.Hyland said.

Dr. Hyland and the rest of the staff intend to keep bringing in new features for students to enjoy and look forward to advance their experience at NAI.