Recently, the front entrance of Schreiber High School was reconstructed to include a wheelchair accessible ramp, expanded cafetaria and stairs to connect the cafeteria and the Commons. The project took more than a year to complete and during that time, students and teachers entered the building through various doors around the school. Aids were positioned at side doors around the school where they would check student IDs and then allow students to enter the school. The project is taking slightly longer than the district planned for. The goal was for the entire front entrance to be finished by the start of the 2022-23 school year. There has been a slight delay, as the wheelchair ramp still needs to be finished and the landscaping still needs to be planted. However, the main component is that the stairs are finished so students can return to using the front entrance. 

One of the reasons for the construction project was to create new spaces for technology courses that Schreiber offers, and plans to offer in the future. “The space will be state of the art,” said former Schreiber principal Dr. Ira Pernick. 

Schreiber currently offers 10 courses under the umbrella of the Technology Education Department. The need for up-to-date rooms for students to study different forms of technology has never been more vital as technology continues to play a massive role in our everyday lives. 

Another reason for the construction was Schreiber’s growing student body. The size of Schreiber’s population makes it impossible for everyone to fit into the cafeteria. During warm days in the fall and spring, this is not a significant issue due to students’ ability to eat outside at the front circle and bleachers. However, during the cold winter months or on days with inclement weather, the cafetaria can become crowded and impossible to find seats. With the gym no longer being offered as a place for students to eat, the Commons is the only other option. Prior to the construction of the stairwell, students who bought lunch would be forced to carry it to the stairs by the center of the school and then walk down the hall to the Commons. This was a long process that wasted precious time for students who only had 30 minutes to purchase lunch, find a seat, and then eat and talk with friends. The new stairs that go directly from the cafeteria to the Commons makes the walk considerably quicker. 

“The new stairs are great, because they allow you to put your bag down in the Commons to save a seat and then go get lunch, and you don’t have to walk halfway around the school. It is much more convenient,” said sophomore Marshall Huron. 

The cafeteria’s expansion resulted in a bar-style set up in the cafeteria. The bar looks out on the circle and is separated from the main cafeteria by a wall. The extra

seating provided by the bar has been used immediately by students, including on the third day of school, when there was heavy rain. According to Assistant Principal Mr. David Miller, new bar stool style chairs are arriving shortly and will be tall enough for students to sit at the bar, not stand. 

Another feature of the construction is the addition of a front entrance wheelchair ramp. Schreiber’s Mission Statement promises to provide “a comprehensive education in a safe, learning environment that promotes equity and opportunity for all.” Prior to this construction, wheelchair accessible ramps were located at the side and back of the school. By providing a way for students, staff, or visitors that may need the assistance of a ramp the ability to enter in the front entrance certainly increases equity for all. 

The single entrance policy also increases the safety and security of the Schreiber community. Throughout the school day there is only one available entrance which provides greater security than having multiple entrances situated throughout the school that need to be covered. Presently, student ID’s do not allow students to enter the school at other entrances other than the front. Teacher ID’s allow them to enter the school anywhere there is a door. 

“In the near future, the front door will be closed and students will use their ID to open the door,” said Assistant Principal Mr. Miller.