by Maddie Levans
Over the summer, YS has undergone various renovations in order to better the campus for more student use.
All of the doors throughout the school have been replaced and updated with ID card scanners, much like those that allow teachers and staff access to the building. The original doors have been in the building since the 1950s when the school was built. Principal Brian Ellis, expanded on the issue, citing an incident last year where a full class was stuck in their room due to a malfunction with one of the doors. The doors were also updated to make the school more secure, giving teachers “swipe access” to their rooms.
More uses for school IDs have also been created for the upcoming school year, including sign-in access to study hall and free admission to events in or after school use of the stadium. Last year, students used their student IDs in the cafeteria to purchase lunch, as well as to sign into the library. Now, students can sign into the study hall using their IDS, making the attendance process easier and more time efficient.
Seniors can expect a wider range of privileges this year, which include the ability to leave during FLEX at the end of the day and a newly-designed lounge.The decision to allow seniors leave during FLEX was made as a response to student and staff surveys concerning FLEX, which indicated that seniors know what their academic requirements are, and how they should uphold them. Senior Nick Knight supports the new perks of having senior privileges. He said, “I think that it makes a lot of sense. It makes senior privileges more desirable and something willing to work for.” The lounge is located at the front of the school and is open to seniors all throughout the day, and all students after school hours.
Among the many additions to the school this summer, the stage and curtains were replaced after having been in use since the beginning of the theater program. Ellis is excited for the use of the new stage, saying that it’s now a”safer environment for everyone involved.”
Ellis said, “It’s nice to have facilities that we can take pride in.”