Tuesday, January 7, 2003
Finishing touches, such as a mural in the field house and remodeling of the radio station studio, are yet to be completed.
By MARALINE KUBIK
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
STRUTHERS -- Some 650 students got a fresh start attending classes for the first time in the new Struthers High School.
"I feel like a freshman again," said Carla Hickenbottom, an 18-year-old senior. "It's nice. It's a lot bigger, but the old school was comfortable because we have been there -- it was broken in."
Getting around the new building, which opened Monday, wasn't as big of a challenge as Hickenbottom expected because, she said, "all of my classes are on one side of the building. I haven't even been to the other side yet."
"Having a new building makes us feel more important, it's good for our self-esteem," added Jim Moody, also an 18-year-old senior.
Kids from other schools, he said, have looked down on Struthers because other schools are newer. "They think we're poorer people," he said. "Now our school is nicer than theirs."
Lost seniority
The only downside, Moody noted, is that seniors lost their seniority; they are as lost in the new building as freshmen.
"This is a good environment. It's different from the old school. I like the big TVs," said Jose Martinez, a 17-year-old sophomore.
Kevin Malarick, an 18-year-old senior, is one of only a few students unhappy with the change. "I'd rather be in the old school. I'm used to it," he said. "I was totally lost when they walked us over to this building for a tour." Malarick admitted, however, that finding his way hasn't been as difficult as he expected.
"All of my classes are in one corner of the building," he added.
Features
The new 90,000-square-foot high school features state-of-the-art classrooms, each equipped with five computers, three science labs -- one each for biology, chemistry and physics -- two computer labs for classroom projects, an information technology lab, and a manufacturing technology lab that is set to open next year, said Dr. Sandi DiBacco, superintendent. It is located next to the old high school building.
The information technology and manufacturing technology labs will provide a jump start for both college-bound students and those who will go on to vocational training, she said. Career exploration in Struthers schools begins in sixth grade, DiBacco noted.
Classrooms for students with multiple disabilities feature work stations where they can perfect living skills such as doing laundry and cooking. This is the first year students with multiple disabilities have been able to remain in Struthers, DiBacco said. Until this year, they were bused to Austintown.
Radio station
Finishing touches, such as a mural in the fieldhouse, replacement of interior doors and woodwork in the fieldhouse, and remodeling of the radio station studio are yet to be completed, she added. The radio station should be back on the air by the end of this month.
Miscellaneous furniture, equipment and building materials, such as the limestone block at the entrance to the old school, will be auctioned off Jan. 18; kitchen equipment will be auctioned off Jan. 21. All proceeds will benefit the new school resource fund, part of the district's general fund.
kubik@vindy.com