Students returned from Spring Break to discover the high school campus expanded with the addition of six new portable buildings located behind and adjacent to the gyms.

The expansion was made possible after Winter Storm Uri roared through in February and caused pipes to burst and flood the Melissa Ridge Education Center. The school district needed a place to house kindergarten, and, therefore, took over what was known as the Cardinal Wing where several CTE teachers taught classes daily. Insurance claims funded the purchase of these new buildings mid-year.

Many teachers that shared rooms with other teachers are happy to finally have their own space for their students. Teachers who did not have their own room before now have enough space for all they need and even have some privacy. Teachers also get to enjoy using their own hotspot for their students with control over their air conditioning.

“I like being in the portables because I was in a portable at the old high school and it brings back happy memories,” Dollars and Sense teacher Lisa Hall said. “I think it’s great to be able to accommodate all of our growth.”

Although the new portables have been an exciting experience for some teachers, it has been a hassle for others at times as well as students. Some find themselves questioning their feelings about the portables. Students don’t like the fact that the new classrooms are farther away from the school because it’s a longer walk with less amount of time.

“I don’t like the portables because they are very far away,” sophomore Abbie Chaloupka said. “Sometimes I am late to my next class because of how far they are and I don’t like that there is no service.”

Although there have been mixed emotions over the portable buildings, everyone understands it is what is required for a growing school.