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GFHS Updates Plans for Renovations

By Ashlie Rodriguez

Story Created: Feb 21, 2012 at 6:16 PM MDT

Story Updated: Feb 22, 2012 at 11:11 AM MDT

Great Falls High teacher Linda Ballew has to change her curriculum to keep up with new media and journalism in the 21st century.

"As journalism changed throughout the years, one of the things that happened is that we became much more dependent on technology," Ballew said.

But her classroom can't keep up.

"Without really good outlets in the room, we have been unable to bring in some of the equipment that would make learning and teaching a little more effective," Ballew said.
Her classroom's electrical limitations are felt all over the high school's 80-year old campus. So administrators have created a task force to pinpoint ways to improve the school.

"My classroom is often times over 80 degrees," said Science teacher Brian Sullivan.

Along with temperature control, the task force suggests replacing the ventilation system and upgrading windows to allow for more natural lighting and energy efficiency.

"At CMR they have the advantage of more natural light," said senior Donovan Dennis.

Dennis is on the task force. He says the dingy, yellow fluorescent lighting creates a dismal learning environment.

"Here we used to have floor to ceiling windows, but they've been unfortunately covered since,” Dennis said.

The task force is unsure how much renovations will cost or how they're going to pay for everything. But they do know they want to maintain the historical structure of the school while still bringing it to the standards of a 21st century education.

"We simply need, those kinds of upgrade that are going to make our classrooms more energy efficient, better lighted, better learning environments," Ballew said.

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