The summer months brought many new changes to the physical building of Susquehannock. The new additions of the high school are creating a fresh start for students and staff alike.
The new parking lot in front of the school is taking shape. SHS principal Dr. James Sterner is hopeful that construction will be finished by its scheduled date.“The goal is..and again it’s a goal, by November we should be pretty well wrapped up with construction, with this three year project,” said Sterner. Photograph by (Josie Witsik)The noise of construction outside the tower can still be heard through the walls of the classrooms. This new parking lot will service visitors entering the new main entrance and as teacher parking. Photograph by (Josie Witsik)Construction crews store their equipment in several spaces, including this room which houses the main power generators for Susquehannock. “I am really happy to be a part of such a great team as the construction is nearing an end,” SHS Assistant Principal Tim Bonitz said. “I am really fortunate to be here for the homestretch of the project and have a tremendous amount of appreciation for everyone’s patience these past couple of years with all of the moving pieces and inconveniences of the project.” Photograph by (Josie Witsik)The construction team installed a platform for block masons to begin installing the exterior walls on the last part of the building to be newly constructed. This part of the building will house new bathrooms and classrooms. “There are three classrooms that will stack on top of each other in the tower wing, 105, 205,and 305,” Sterner said. “And then there’s a science room that connects to a new stairwell that needs to be finished yet. That stairwell needs to be updated as well as the facade to the front of the building needs to be tied up and then the front parking lot. And then there’s a couple more areas of site work that need to be wrapped up yet.” Photograph by(Josie Witsik)Electronic Arts teacher Wade Bowers’ new photography and graphic design room is one of the grand new additions to the school that is really catching people’s eyes.¨It felt so clean and new because I was coming from the basement that had a lot of just age to it and just being in the basement it just felt a lot more dark where this is definitely a fresher feeling, and it was pretty exciting to finally be able to work next to Mr. Myers (Wesley Myers is the fine arts teacher whose classroom is right next door),¨ Bowers said. Photograph by (Josie Witsik)The new signage at the library entrance in the Commons adds a modern welcome to anyone coming into the school. New SHS Vice Principal and alumni Tim Bonitz is impressed with the changes.,“Honestly, I thought I would miss the old school more but the renovated building is amazing,” Bonitz said. “What I have come to appreciate is that there are still sections of the school that are structurally the same as when I was in school such as ‘the tower’, auditorium and gymnasium areas. In my opinion, this utilization of parts of the original building reflects the past while looking to the future of Susquehannock. With some other school renovations or constructions, the whole school is built or even relocated. However, with the approach to this project, key parts of the former school are still in use but received an upgrade.” Photograph by (Josie Witsik)As construction comes to a near finish in the high school, students and teachers are getting to see some of the new additions and remodeling of the school. The changes have helped bring new life to the school.¨The tower´s a great example…of this happening,” Dr. Sterner said. “Classrooms that existed and bringing them up to snuff.” Other older areas of the building receiving updates include the metal tech, wood tech and engineering workshops, the auxiliary gym and the locker rooms attached to them. Photograph by (Alicia Baker)A view of the new weight room addition that opens right into the auxiliary gym. Physical Education teacher Brett Maxwell is excited about the changes and additions to the gyms.¨The new fitness center facilities have been a great addition to our Physical Education Program,” Maxwell said. “The weight room being attached to the auxiliary gym provides opportunity for the students to incorporate other forms of training including HIIT, speed, and agility training. The wrestling room will also be a great space for yoga, Pilates and group exercise¨ Photograph by (Alicia Baker)The new shower area of the locker rooms gives students availability to shower in individual stalls. “The renovation will greatly benefit students and teachers with updated instructional spaces with modern classroom layouts such as labs, shops and traditional instructional spaces, “ Bonitz said. “The classrooms are more user friendly to accommodate student engagement and promote 21st century skills.” Photograph by (Alicia Baker)
