The remodeling and construction at Eaton High School (which will become the middle school in the 2022-2023 school year) has revamped the classrooms, modernized the school, and given students and staff a beautiful courtyard to spend time in. 

The courtyard is positioned right in the middle of the school and has two main entrances; one through the new media center and another double door entrance in the hallway that connects the rest of the school to the 28 building. Filled with turf, multiple picnic tables, and some other landscaping (small trees, rocks, etc), it gives students and staff the opportunity to go outside and enjoy the fresh air. 

When the weather is pleasant, students have been able to eat lunch outside on the picnic tables or in the grass. Junior Dayana Hernandez (23) spent some time in the courtyard and said, “I like just being able to eat lunch in the sun but still be inside the school and I like having the ability to go into the courtyard during class to work on an assignment while taking in the sun.” Students who have spent time in the courtyard have also been able to bring Spike Ball and play other lawn games on the turf without worrying about mud, grass stains, and the itchiness real grass has. Autumn Hockley (23) said, “My favorite part of the courtyard is the fake grass because you can lay on it and not be poked or itched like you would if it’s real grass.”

Teachers have been able to use the courtyard to change up their classroom settings and teach a lesson outside as well. 

The new courtyard brings many benefits to EHS but there are still some additions that would help the courtyard flourish even more. Adding another door by the stairs would give students another entrance and exit and putting in speakers or adding a sound system outside would emphasize the positive vibes and sunny atmosphere the courtyard has at lunchtime. With spring and warm weather ahead, the courtyard will be a new spot for students and staff to enjoy.