By RACHEL SCHREIBSTEIN
The unused courtyard located outside Jericho High School’s English hallway will be renovated during the summer of 2019.
According to Jericho Schools Superintendent Mr. Hank Grishman, the cost for the entire renovation is estimated to be around $800,000 and will be entirely funded by the school district’s capital reserve.
Students are excited about renovating the courtyard because they want a place to escape from the daily pressures of high school. Junior Lucas B. believes that the courtyard will be beneficial to students because they “need a place to not be stressed in a school that is very competitive.” Junior Alanna P. agrees, saying she would like to use the courtyard as a quiet space to get homework done during free periods.
Since Jericho High School has a closed campus, there are limited spaces for students to go to get fresh air. Sophomore Alexia K. believes that the addition of the courtyard “would give students an opportunity to enjoy some sunshine outside during the day while remaining on campus.”
Students have some ideas of what they would like to see in the new courtyard. “I would love to have a porch swing installed because it is super calming and relaxing to be able to sit and talk to a friend on a swing,” Alexia K. added. The renovated courtyard has the potential to improve Jericho High School’s overall atmosphere. “It would be fun if there was music to make the courtyard more exciting,” junior Alanna P. said.
Students are not the only ones excited about the renovation. English teacher Dr. Hartnett said he would definitely bring his classes outside to the courtyard. “I would especially seek to connect the courtyard’s phenomena to canonical works of literature as the poets and novelists have long drawn on nature for inspiration,” he said. Dr. Hartnett would enjoy seeing a variety of plant life as well as a focal point for classes to gather. In addition, health teacher Ms. Romano feels that the school needs more spaces for education. “If the area was for teaching, a design that included seating for a large group would be beneficial,” she said.
Science and Technology Curriculum Associate Mr. Cummings would like the students to be heavily involved in the renovation. “The way I’m envisioning it is having the students design it and the tech classes build it,” he said. In fact, a few years ago, students in Mr. Dalen’s Civil Engineering and Architecture classes drew up designs for the courtyard as a classwork assignment. Some people would like to see the courtyard turned into an outdoor classroom, which is something Mr. Cummings has also discussed with many science teachers.
Although there are few alternative and accessible outdoor spaces available to staff and students, the area outside of Mr. Benjamin’s room, known as Café 126, seems to be quite popular during the spring and summer months. For example, English teacher Ms. Vardhan embraced the warm weather by taking her Introduction to Public Speaking class outside. Sophomore Julia P., a previous member of the class, said, “In other classes we are stuck inside working at desks, so she decided to let us go outside as a class and work on a public speaking exercise.”
Overall, students and staff are interested and excited to see what’s to come with the new courtyard renovation. Mr. Grishman is “looking forward to the finished product being a beautiful outdoor space that will be enjoyed by students and staff, for instructional use as well as recreational use.” He encourages all input, whether it be from students or teachers. If you have any ideas of what you would like to see in the courtyard or any designs of your own, email Mr. Grishman at hgrishman@jerichoschools.org or Mr. Manuel at vmanuel@jerichoschools.org.
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