Learning Lounge brings new opportunities for students

Walking into Westside this past Tuesday, you might have noticed something was really different in the Social Studies hallway. Over intersession, there was another study space added behind the main gym. This area, also known as the mezzanine, is now crowded with new tables and couches. Although more space for open mods is always appreciated, this brings new stress to the cheerleaders, as that is where they often practice.

Senior Reghan Callahan, varsity cheer captain, says that it is definitely not ideal, but could be better for the school in the long run.

“It’s kind of an inconvenience because we use that space to practice,” Callahan said. “But it’ll be nice to have more spaces to sit when you’re open.”

Many of the cheerleaders aren’t very happy about the new IMC because they believe it will eliminate their ability to practice, but Callahan is confident that they will figure it out.

“We might have to go practice in other places, like the landing,” Callahan said.

The new space is different from your average IMC. Dean Aaron Bredenkamp has been leading the project, and wants to make a more versatile area for students to work. He refers to the spot as the “Learning Lounge”.

“The inspiration for this was the student unions at universities,” Bredenkamp said.  “It’s purpose is to be more relaxed but still a quiet place for work.”

The Learning Lounge is supposed to bring students together and make it easier to work, in groups or individually.

“There’s gonna be a lot of things in there that let students collaborate. There’s gonna be a white board, and we’re working to get an Apple TV that students can use to get to work together,” Bredenkamp said.

All of the furniture in the Learning Lounge was financed by the district. The bond that is being used to update the elementary schools gives the district some financial wiggle room, which they are using on this project. However, the district can’t finance the gadgets, so Bredenkamp has reached out to other groups in attempt to purchase the technology.

“We’re looking for alumni to help pay for the Apple TV, there’s a proposal in for that,” Bredenkamp said.

The Learning Lounge was set up with other groups who use the area in mind. It’s supposed to be arranged in a way that isn’t detrimental to other groups who use the space.

“We designed it in a way that allows it to be broken down so they [cheerleaders] still have ample room to use the space. We have discussed being able to store the furniture, but now we are just moving forward,” Bredenkamp said.

Bredenkamp believes that the IMC’s are becoming obsolete and that students nowadays think and work in different ways. The Learning Lounge is supposed to adapt to that.

“I hope it’s the first step in us rethinking our IMCs. Our IMCs are set up in a way that’s very traditional and I don’t think that’s how you guys work,” said Bredenkamp. “That’s how my generation learned, you guys have more access to technology which makes learning more of a lifestyle.”

The Learning Lounge will open next Monday for students. It will be supervised full time by Ms. Koehler and Ms. Reisdorff.