Staff specialists Jennifer Blais, Lee Cooper, and Kelly Lepkowski are now based in M5, a small room beside the library. They were previously located in room 104C, which is in close proximity to the A stairwell. The sudden transition led to questions about why they needed to move.
The Class of 2025, in particular, was heavily impacted by this move because Blais and Cooper are the advisors.
“Although it was weird getting used to going to a new space every day, I’m getting more acclimated now and it is convenient being closer to [the] library,” said Lepkowski.
Instructional Technology Specialist Lee Cooper agreed.
“It’s always hard shifting into a new space,” said Cooper. “It took a while to get the room reconfigured for us, but once we did, it worked pretty well. Though, I do miss our windows!”
The move was necessary because the old room was needed for a new technology class. Room 500A met the needs of that class, which led to the theatre students who previously met in 500A needing to relocate. Room 104C met their needs.
“RM500A was needed as it was previously a CTE (Tech) class and has the necessary electrical, ventilation, and layout needed to house newly purchased machinery/equipment for the new technology class,” said Principal Carey Manugo.
This resulted in Blais, Cooper, and Lepkowski only having a weekend to move their equipment and furniture from 104C into their new room alongside the library.
“The setup was difficult at first because there are certain areas of the space that you can’t utilize. Luckily, Mr. Meehan placed open shelves around the unusable space to help block [the electric transformer box] off and keep everyone away from it [to be safe],” said Lepkowski. “Once the room was cleared, it became easier to determine where to place things and the new room started taking shape. It is a bit smaller than what we had, but I like to think of it as being cozier.”
For their role in student learning, most of their teaching is done in other classrooms, so they don’t rely on their room to teach.
“It doesn’t affect how we work too much,” said Lepkowski.
Cooper agreed with Lepkowski: “As instructional coaches, Ms. Blais, Mrs. Lepkowski, and I often work with teachers in their classrooms, so [there was] no real impact on our work.”
The senior class, who were also impacted, felt neutral about the situation.
“I would say that most seniors preferred the old room, as it had more general space, extra storage, windows, and felt more like an appropriate place to host meetings,” said senior Bella Seminario. “However, I think the new room serves us well, and I am glad our advisors, “BlaisCoopKowski,” were all able to stay together. No matter what room we’re in, as long as we’re together, I think that we will make it the best space in the school.”
Though the instructional specialists were tasked with moving rooms, they didn’t let this deter them. The room next to the library has become their new, loving home. Be sure to stop by if you want to pay Lepkowski, Cooper, and Blais a visit.
