New Annex Floors Are Latest in Series of Renovations
The new black tiles on the 3rd floor annex bridge drew mixed reviews. Photo: Qing Ying Chen
By QING YING CHEN and HEIDI GAO
with contributions from Muhammad Abdullah
Classy, melancholy, or just easier to keep clean? Students were surprised to arrive one morning this spring to find the annex floors retiled in black. Initial reviews were less than enthusiastic.
“It feels like jail and that I’m never going to escape school,” said Jene Chen ‘25.
“When I first saw the change in color, I was mixed between surprised and confused,” said Sophie Chen ‘25. “The floors changed the entire vibe of the annex. However, it also looked fancy in some way.”
Principal Robert Quinlan explained the reasoning for the new black tiles. “Although the white floor was brighter, the new dark color not only matches the flow of the flooring from the main building to the annex, it also allows it to look cleaner and makes it easier for the custodial staff to clean,” he said.
The lively bridge had been one of the brightest places in school, and some students are having a tough time adjusting.
“The bridge and building look so gloomy now,” said Sarah Pizzonia ‘26. “They could've done something else like add better air conditioning, especially since it's summer and the classrooms get very hot.”
Other students had a positive take.
“I actually think changing the floors was a really good idea,” said Yahir Leon ‘25. “Walking through the bridge with the white floors made me basically blind because of how bright it was with the sun’s reflection. Ever since the floors were painted black, I don’t have to squint my eyes all the time.”
This year’s other renovations had a higher approval rating than the annex floors. The band room got a facelift, for one. Tiffany Dong ‘25 said, “Before, the ceiling was crumbling. We felt the dirt falling on our heads.”
“Last year we did air conditioning in the auditorium,” Dr. Quinlan said. “This year we removed unused lockers from the classrooms to open up space, and we did cement work around the perimeter of the building.”
In recent years, brand new lockers were added to the gyms, and the rows were altered from two to three, so instead of sharing their lockers with strangers, students could have their own.
The C and G gyms also had their floors stripped, sanded, and repainted in 2021, classrooms received new doors, and the cafeteria tables were changed from rows of long tables to individual or small group seating.
Dr. Quinlan said, “I want to make sure our facilities are upgraded, nice, clean, and safe because this is our home.”
So what are students hoping for in the future?
“We should prioritize air conditioning in the halls since we have a lot of students and hallways are where most students are at,” said Tiffany Wen ‘25.
“They should renovate the gym because there’s holes in the wall and we need AC," said junior Becky Lin.
After these ideas were brought up with Dr. Quinlan, he said, “We’re getting air conditioners in both gyms and it’s coming soon.” What about cooling the hallways? “Unless the school has central air conditioning, most schools don’t have AC in the hallways,” he said. “But if the classroom doors are open, the cold air can flow out.”
He added, “I encourage students if they have ideas about facility upgrades to come to us, come to me.”