On January 5th, students and staff here at OCSA were finally allowed to move into the pristine three-story building. It contains all the classes previously housed in the portables while also including facilities like the library and the career resource center. For a few years students have been anxiously waiting to experience the allure of this building. So, how do students truly feel about being in an entirely new school?
Since walking through the doors of the new building, students have experienced the benefits of being in an indoor school. From fresh equipment to colorful hallways, the new building is full of long-awaited amenities students didn’t have in the old facilities. Out of the students polled, 80% said that they prefer the new building over the old one. Many students echo this sentiment and specifically praise the new building for its spacious feel and close classrooms. They enjoy the short walking distance from class to class compared to the mile walk some students had to make from the portables to the old classrooms.
Many also noted that the building feels less crowded. This is likely due to the numerous wide hallways and multitude of entrances the structure is equipped with.
Sally Torres, a 10th grade orchestra major stated, “I like how big and clean it is, we have a ton of new space and now it actually feels like a real high school.”
Compared to other high schools in the Kissimmee area, OCSA felt different due to the outdated outdoor buildings, however since the arrival of the new building, OCSA has received many much-needed upgrades.
However, while many students admire the commendable qualities of this new space, there are some clear drawbacks that students have also become aware of. With the old building, the walls and murals, painted by OCSA alumni, added to the artistic nature of OCSA. However, in the new building, since construction just finished, the walls are a dull gray and extremely plain. Many students also note that the colored hallways present in the building don’t match with the school’s signature colors and seem out of place.
Tenth grade creative writer, Ana Vagle expressed her thoughts on this point: “Its plain, doesn’t feel like an art school – nor does the inside floors have the color of the school, purple, blue, teal etc.”
In addition to the disconnection to the arts, students are having to adjust to making the trek up and down the staircases. Having previously been all on one level, navigating multiple floors has been a big adjustment for many students. Almost as if the distance to classes is the same just now with stairs and indoors.
The new building doesn’t come without its rules either. Administration has clearly outlined for all students what the expectations and rules for the new building are to keep it in its prime condition. There is no eating permitted in the new building and during lunch there are restrictions on when you can enter.
To make it into the new building during lunch students need to either come immediately when the first and second half bells ring or receive a pass from the teacher they are requesting to see. However, this then makes it difficult for not only students but teachers as well during academic intervention who might forget to hand out passes to students. This also means that students can’t just show up in the middle of AI to see a teacher, they must make it there when the bell rings.
“I think it’s ridiculous and obnoxious and makes it harder to connect with my teachers,” said Victoria Munteanu a senior creative writer.
For many students who enjoy socializing with their teachers or need to make up work, these restrictive rules make these actions harder. Though for others these rules aren’t that big of an issue.
Nayeli Arcila, an 8th grade visual artist stated that, “I don’t think much of it because I always eat in the cafeteria regardless and I rarely go to AI unless required for a better grade.”
While some qualities about the new building might be unenjoyable to students at the moment, this renovation is unlike anything OCSA students have experienced. The new building has brought students a better, more advanced school and a fresh new beginning for OCSA.
