Improvements continue at Marion High School
By CHELSEA ARNHOLD
MHS student reporter
Marion High School has been experiencing a series of improvements the past few years. All buildings soon will be handicap accessible. A lift has been installed in the Hill School where the staircase by the front entrance used to be. The lift now is available for use.
"Several years ago we (the high school staff) made the decision to departmentalize classrooms. This meant putting the English and computer technology departments in the Hill School. Since every student is required by the KDE (Kansas Department of Education) to complete English and computer classes, it was imperative that we make the second floor accessible for handicapped students," said high school principal Ken Arnhold.
Carefully designed by architect Martin Hanney, the lift will be used by handicapped students to attend classes on the second floor of the building.
In the past, physically challenged students taking computer applications class had to take it as an independent study in the library. English teachers had to teach classes that included handicapped students in the "blue room," which is located on the first floor.
Now English teachers are able to teach in their classrooms, which are located on the second floor.
This also will make scheduling easier since three teachers will not need to use the same room for different classes.
This project took several years to plan. Since the Hill School is on the Kansas National Historical Registry for being the state's oldest school building still in use, they must approve all changes in the school.
Planners had to be sure that it was structurally sound and the fire department had to check for fire exits for all the students on the second floor. Bids had to be submitted to the Board of Education for approval.
The lift not only will benefit handicapped students, but also will be available for use by students and teachers who become temporarily handicapped.
Other improvements have been made. The counselor's office was moved to the main building next to the main office. The teachers' workroom was moved down the hall where the special education department had a classroom.
New cabinets that match the cabinets in the main office were furnished for the counselor's office and teachers' workroom. The main office, counselor's office, and teacher's lounge were painted. Marion Stadium also received a new coat of paint.
