JEFFERSON — The news circulating around Jefferson Area High School is the construction of the new school building. And with the new building comes the expectations for a more comfortable learning environment. Superintendent Doug Hladek said he thinks students have plenty to look forward to. A new building with efficient heating and cooling, new classrooms with sufficient equipment and improved athletic facilities are the general improvements in the new school, he said.

“Because of the problems we have seen in this school, I’m excited to know that there will be a new roof that won’t leak rain in the hallways,” said sophomore Brittany Reynolds.

With the amenities that make the new school comfortable, there will be some expansion involving the more common areas in the building. There are two gyms, two cafeterias and two administration and guidance departments, said Rick Hoyson, assistant principal.

Even the lockers will be upgraded. The new lockers are wider, measuring 12 inches by 60 inches. They have built in locks, three coat hooks, and 9 inches from the top is a shelf, said John Montanaro, principal.

With the improvements, however, there will be some parts of the current building that will not make the cut in the new building.

“There is no senior court and there is not a designated snack room, however, it may be possible for us to place vending machines in certain areas,” Mr. Montanaro said.

Brandi Mullen, junior, is optimistic even without familiar student luxuries. “Even though there isn’t going to be a senior court, I hope the picnic tables that were in the court are set up outside,” she said.

Community meetings were held to learn what the public would like to see in the new school, said Mr. Montanaro. In addition to trying to meet the needs and wants of the students, the parents had an opportunity to voice their desires for the new building at the community meetings, he said. These meetings gave people a chance to offer ideas concerning the setup of the school.

“The main concern of the community was that the junior high and high schools be separated,” Mr. Hoyson said.

Above all, Mr. Hladek said he has high expectations. “It is my hope that new facilities will inspire increased motivation for learning,” he said.

Preparation for the new school does not just lie in the hands of the faculty. Students must also take proper steps to become adjusted to other changes. Along with the new rooms and furniture, students must think about what new courses they will be taking, what is being offered.

New courses will be offered beginning the 2009-2010 school year as well as familiar courses under different titles, said guidance counselor Lisa Newhart. The new courses that will be added to next year’s schedule are Accounting, for grades 10-12, Chemistry II and Advanced Placement Biology, offered at grade 12, she said. The former Nutrition and Wellness course will be called Healthy and Safe Foods. Biology II has been renamed Honors Biology, Family Relations is now Manage Transitions and the former Life Planning course will be called Career Search.

Students have mixed feelings concerning the changes.

“Changing the names of some courses might cause some confusion when we’re scheduling, but at the same time, it’s really exciting that we have a few brand new classes,” said Rita Zack, junior.

Other students also feel the changes in course names might cause uncertainty when scheduling.

“The new courses are surely going to stir up some excitement among students, but what about the classes with a name change. You could sign up for a class you’ve already taken without realizing it or be deceived by the new name of a course and choose something you really won’t be interested in,” said Hannah Tripodi, junior.

College level courses will also be available, Mrs. Newhart said. “Next year we will be offering dual credit, which allows students to earn high school and college credit while taking classes here at JAHS. Anatomy and Physiology, Statistics, Calculus, Pre- Calculus/ Trigonometry, AP U.S. History, AP Language and Composition, AP Literature and Composition, and English IV are included,” she said.

Requirements for the AP courses are teacher’s recommendations and the necessary prerequisites. It is stated that students taking a dual credit course must have an A or B average at the end of the first semester, Mrs. Newhart said.

Brandi Mullen feels the dual credit courses are a great opportunity for students. “The dual credit courses are a great way to help students get a jump start on college credits without even leaving the high school,” she said.

Even students who will not be a part of the excitement of next year think highly of the new courses.

“I think that’s [dual credit courses] a really good idea because it will give people college credits without leaving, which will keep more students here,” senior Stephanie Edge said.

Mrs. Newhart offered some advice for students during scheduling week. “Look ahead to your future and what your plans include after graduation. Then decide on what classes may help to prepare you when you leave here,” she said. “For example, if computers is the field you wish to be in, then you should take more than Computer Apps I and II.”