Homestead I-Wing: A whole new world
I-Wing 2 is connected to the IMC or known as I-Wing 1. The class that was previously in here was using it to study AP Calculus. Sam Judd, junior, said that”It makes learning more exciting” because “there are so many different ways to interact with this space.”
The 2016-2017 school year at Homestead High School is beginning with a change in scenery.
Now, the IMC, the former Academic Success Center (ASC), and the lecture hall have been transformed into what is now known as the Inquiry Wing (I-Wing).
These three spaces at the end of the 100 wing are designed to promote collaborative learning in a comfortable and new environment. With this new space, students have the chance to learn in new and different ways and teachers have the opportunity to design lessons that cannot be done in a normal classroom setting.
Mrs. Vogel, math teacher at Homestead High School, thinks that the I- Wing is going to encourage students to get excited about their learning. “Teachers are literally fighting to get an opportunity to be in these locations with their students,” she said.
The I-Wing is a space with potential to shape student learning. “These rooms send a message about what we’re trying to accomplish in our school in terms of what we want classroom instruction to look like all the time, everywhere,” Brett Bowers, principal, said.
I-Wing Zone 1 is referred to as the IMC, I- Wing Zone 2 is the old academic success center, which is now placed in the 500 wing, and I-Wing Zone 3 is the newest, most upgraded room formerly known as the lecture hall.
I-Wing 3 allows students to utilize various forms of technology such as smart boards, drop-down wireless projectors, touch screens, and two liquid-crystal displays when their teachers check out the room for use during their class period. These tools will help students learn more effectively and in collaboration with their peers. In addition to the new technology, the space houses flexible furniture fit for any type of learning, whether it be discussions, writing or group projects.
“This is really intended to be a space with a lot more choice and flexibility,” Mr. Bowers said.
Not only will the I-Wing be beneficial to the students of Homestead High School, but the spaces can also be rented for use just like other facilities in the school district. For the students, however, only the IMC can be accessed before and after school per usual. At the moment there is still discussion regarding the accessibility of I-Wing Zone 3 and when the students will be able to use it for their own benefit outside of the classroom, but rumor has it that it may be used during flex time to ask teachers questions or help prepare for upcoming assessments in classes.
Many students are excited to start using the newest room, I-Wing Zone 3.
“I-Wing Zone 3 is one of the best, if not the best, room of Homestead. I really think it could be the start of something new for the school. It’s a step towards something big,” Elisa Carranza, junior, said.
Mr. Bowers is eager to see all the opportunities the new spaces will bring.
“We want these rooms to have a signature feel of who we are as Homestead,” Mr. Bowers said.
Kate Price is a junior and this is her first year apart of the advanced publications staff. Kate is a major coffee lover and spends the majority of her...
Caitlin Geurts is a senior and this is her fourth year on staff. She is beyond thrilled to be diving into many different aspects of journalism this year. You...
