WNYT NewsChannel 13 recently visited Cohoes High School to tour the newly renovated third floor science wing that opened to students and staff in early November. The refurbishment of the wing was a part of the capital project that was approved during the budget vote in May 2022.
The long-awaited renovation included refurbishing seven classrooms, five of which have pass-throughs to the next room, which offer a more comfortable, state-of-the-art learning environment. The corridor, dark room, and the corridor to the elevator were also renovated. Old lockers and bases were removed to install new terrazzo flooring, refinish the walls, and paint and install new graphics
Students and teachers are equally excited to have a space that inspires a collaborative, inquiry-based learning environment as opposed to the previous traditional classrooms.
“The renovation of the science wing has made a noticeable change in the classroom vibe. It is clear from the moment they enter the new rooms that they are in a science class where they can think and act like real scientists,” said Science Teacher Leader Dawn Maddalena. “The change has put a value on science and I think the students feel valued as well. They can see the investment the district has made toward their education and their future.”
Earth Science Teacher Kerry Winters agrees. “I think having these new rooms is going to allow us to better prepare our students to be successful with the Next Generation Science Standards,” said Mr. Winters, adding that one of his students told him how proud he was that the rooms are so modern.
Each of the seven classrooms received new lab tables and stools (lab tables and classroom tables), new instructor desks, chair, storage, new unit ventilator for heating and cooling, new lighting and power with cord reels, upgraded casework, lab stinks, flooring, new fire alarms, whiteboards, exhaust fans, emergency eye-wash stations and emergency showers.
Other renovations/refurbishments also included a new prep room for rooms 306 and 304, three new dishwashers, a new refrigerator, and gas connections. The dark room in the wing was remodeled into an electric room and the corridor to the service elevator was re-painted and new flooring was installed.