by Bea Peterson
On Thursday, October 7, there was an Open House at Hoosick Falls Central School. The turnout wasn’t large. Perhaps many parents had already visited the school through classroom open houses or perhaps many people have attended some of the varied school events having taken place in the recent past. Whatever, they missed a great opportunity to view the slide show in the auditorium of the work as it was being done and to hear the kids rave about their school. “Many of these students have been here throughout the renovations,” said Superintendent Ken Facin. “They have a keen perspective on what has been accomplished, and they are appreciative of the public’s support.”
A good portion of that support came through school taxes, which it turns out was money well spent if what the students had to say is the straight skinny. My two guides were National Honor Society members (and football stars) Mike Brewster and Garrett Foster. They were proud to show off the improvements that have taken place in their school these last four years. We started in the cafeteria where the football team was enjoying their Thursday evening dinner put on by team parents. The Society guides were missing the event to host tours. They pointed out that there were no more brown stains on the ceiling because the roof and the ceiling had been replaced. They liked the new cafeteria set up and the new tables and chairs. They actually enjoy the cafeteria meals. “There are new dishes and new foods that are healthier,” said Garrett. They credit the change to the new Cafeteria Director. The tour included a visit to the new weight room and cardio room.
“There’s a strength and conditioning class for students that don’t participate in sports,” said Mike. Both seniors were excited for the wrestling team that now has a room of its own to practice in. “They don’t have to drag the mats in and out of the cafeteria or gym any more,” said Garrett. The floor in the gym has been refinished and the ceiling has been replaced, they said.
A highlight in many of the classrooms are smart boards. These boards can be written on and then erased. Set up with a computer, the information on the small computer screen can be displayed on the large smart board. The football team watches videos of its games on such a board. Garrett added that many of the classrooms have new flat screen computers as well.
Mike pointed out the new lights, refurbished seats and air conditioning in the auditorium, which make it much more pleasant. The boys were quick to heap praise on the music department with its top notch chorus and band. They really appreciate the Pep Band at their games.
They showed off the new lockers. Previously, they said, many of them didn’t lock or the doors weren’t on securely. “That was a big upgrade,” said Garrett. Mike added that they feel safe leaving stuff in them now.
Other changes they pointed out were the new attractive high school lobby, the new concession stand with storage for the sports equipment, the new bleachers and press box and the improved sports fields.
Scholastically, they agreed the school has improved. “It’s getting better and better all the time,” said Mike. “Our test scores have skyrocketed,” said Garrett. “I love the teachers,” he added. “Yeah,” said Mike. “You hear that teachers go home right after school. Ours don’t. They stay and work with us. They want us to succeed.”
In October 2006 the community approved an 8.3 million dollar Capital Improvement Project. It took four summers, but the work is finished and has already reaped benefits in energy savings resulting from the new windows and lighting and new roof. The playing fields, grounds and parking lot all have been improved. If the Honor Society is any indication, it’s a job well done.