A Redo in Relaxation: Teacher’s lounge to be remodeled with help of StuCo

After three months of work, the fourth floor teacher’s lounge remodel is almost complete.

As requested by the administration, StuCo put $5,000 into the remodel to give teachers a more inviting, comfortable environment for their breaks. The change was anticipated by teachers needing a work space, as many have to share classrooms. 

The current teacher’s lounge was originally built in 2008 and hasn’t been updated since then. The tables and chairs especially needed to be replaced, as they came from a library in the 80s, according to Assistant Principal, Britton Haney. 

In the coming years, East hopes to expand their staff, meaning multiple teachers will be assigned to share one classroom. Haney wants the lounge to be a place for teachers to meet and collaborate. 

“There weren’t really problems, but it wasn’t very uplifting and wasn’t comfortable,” math teacher and StuCo sponsor Hannah Pence said. “It [had] kind of grey, prison colored walls almost. It just wasn’t very exciting to go in there.”

Most teachers visit the lounge on their break to make phone calls, microwave food, use the refrigerator or take some time for themselves, according to Pence. 

“It’s their space to go away,” Pence said. “You want it to feel comfortable for teachers. You don’t want it to feel dirty or gross or boring.” 

During first quarter, Haney approached the StuCo board for approval to fund the remodel. By late October, the interior design class was involved making plans and design ideas for the lounge. The students then presented each of their plans to the faculty board.

The board ultimately decided on sophomore Katherine Hamilton’s layout, but took pieces from the other students’ ideas as well, according to Pence.

After a fresh coat of paint, rearranged layout, new computer table, coffee table and appliances — such as vending machines and a popcorn machine — Haney feels the the lounge is already coming together to be a more inviting environment.

“The paint was done over break and we did have a couple teachers who were like, ‘Oh my goodness, I never realized how much just a coat of paint would make a difference’,” Haney said. 

The remodel has not only been a fresh start for a more comfortable and relaxing environment, but a chance for students to get involved in the school while applying their skills. In addition to getting help from interior design students, they are now looking to involve the wood working classes by having them construct big “SME” letters to display on the wall. 

“It’s a big response to what teachers want,” StuCo Treasurer Ian Gould said. “But it’s also a big opportunity for a bunch of students to come together to apply what they’ve learned.”

The remodel is expected to be finished by spring break, as they are still waiting on new tables and chairs, a second refrigerator and more East-themed decor. In the mean time, teachers are enjoying the brightened walls and refurbished layout. 

“We’re excited to be able to give a gift back to faculty,” Pence said. “We’re just trying to incorporate and include as many kids as possible in helping us plan this awesome space for our teachers.”