Written by Maria Vanillo
Staff Writer
Bishop Amat students and faculty members have mixed feelings about the administration’s installation of air conditioning units in all of the classrooms for the brand new 2013-14 school year.
“This year’s back to school night has been the most successful. The parents were comfortable in the classrooms and their energy was high,” English teacher Mr. Marcus Lewis said “As opposed to years prior when the weather had everyone feeling exhausted.”
The air conditioning has allowed students, faculty, and parents to sit in classrooms for 80 minute intervals and feel comfortable.
“At the end of the day I’m less tired because the heat really got to me last year. All I wanted to do was fall asleep,” senior Kristen Lakin said.
The air conditioning has caused some students to get sick due to the drastic temperature changes. Going from 95 degree weather to a 72 degree classroom has lead to colds.
“I’m sick because I keep getting the chills when I walk into class,” said junior Mercedes Lopez.
Another concern is the expense of this added feature.
“The electricity bill must be pretty high because it’s been so hot lately,” Athletic trainer Mr. Jose Chavez said.
A con to the air conditioning units is a student-faculty favorite is the elimination of minimum days.
The air conditioning has solved short term problems such as more comfortable classrooms, less tired students, and the longevity of the teachers.
On the downside, colds and electrical bills have the added risk of harming the students, making them more prone to illness and the financial expense of this new luxury item.
All members of the Bishop Amat community are left with the same question, is it better to melt from the heat or freeze from the cold?
