By Jamie Lund and Taylor Cerone
In the midst of a two-year, $28 million renovation, the Varina High School community is adjusting to many changes on campus.
Assistant principal Katy Noah, who is the administrator in charge of renovation, said five newly renovated classroom buildings opened at the beginning of the school year: 4 (D), 5 (Q), 6 (E), 9 (N) and 14 (M).
The buildings have new lighting, technology, plumbing and electrical systems. The renovation of the main office, library and cafeteria is also complete.
“I like to tell people that we’re not a renovation; we’re a new school,” Mrs. Noah said.
The renovation is in phase three of five. Crews are currently renovating buildings 7 (G), 12 (J) and 13 (L). In January, buildings 8 (F), 10 (K) and 11 (H) will be renovated, and in April, work will begin on the sidewalks, canopies, gym and main parking lot.
“[I’m looking forward to] being able to walk from one end of the campus to the other on nice, clean, paved sidewalks,” Mrs. Noah said.
The administration also implemented a new labeling system for buildings over the summer. The system uses numbers instead of letters.
School leaders said the numerical system will help emergency responders find buildings.
Many teachers have had to relocate their classroom during renovation. Geometry teacher and athletic coach Keith Stainker had to move from his room in building 12 to V7 for the first half of the year. He said the move will be worth it in the long run.
“I’ve been here 26 years, and this place really needed a facelift,” Mr. Stainker said.
Exceptional education teacher Amy Davis said she is thrilled to be in newly renovated building 4 (D).
“I think going to a new, clean classroom every day makes it easier to get up in the morning, and you’re more excited to come to work,” Ms. Davis said.
Many students are also pleased.
“I do have to give it to them,” junior Rachael Machupa said. “The buildings do look a lot better than they did my freshman year.”
Although students said they like the finished product, many said the renovation process is a classroom distraction.
“It’s highly annoying,” senior Candice Pierce said. “But we have to try to zone it out.”
The renovation will continue for the rest of the school year with work on schedule to end in the summer of 2012.
“This place is going to be a lot better, without a doubt,” Mr. Stainker said.
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