Page 25 - Priorities #63- Winter 2016

English and math teachers moved into the new classrooms against the back hillside, promptly deco- rating with posters of famous mathematicians, gram- mar reminders, Impressionist artwork, or bringing in their signature classroom tokens like Ms. Gonzalez’s candle or Mrs. Briggs’ prayer bowl. English teacher Kindra Briggs says of the new faculty lounge, with its modern furniture, hanging lamps, and work loft, “I love the Mad Men aesthetic.” Whether it’s the copier, the coffee machine, or the couch, the new space draws the teachers in to work, collaborate, or rejuvenate.
Father Maurus officially blessed the new building at the start of this school year, before a crowd of staff, students, and families. “My sole intention and task is to express my deepest gratitude and appreciation in the name of our Benedictine community here and in New Hampshire, to you ALL for making this dream come true,” he said, referring to the Priory’s found- ing monks’ dream to build a state of the art school in the Woodside hills. Father Maurus thanked the many people involved in making this building a reality, in- cluding the Schilling family for whom the revamped square is named. Sophomore Mackenzie Cornish adds that the square “is the biggest game changer. I’ve defi- nitely gotten to know more people because we have a place where we can all get together.”
The whole goal of developing the new Benedic- tine classrooms, centers around Priory’s core values of placing the student’s learning experience at the heart
of all decisions. “New classrooms will allow Priory to form the essential link between the way our students interact and the world they’ll soon enter,” states the Building Ingenuity brochure. Desks can be moved eas- ily, space usage is more fluid, and robust broadband allows students to connect to more devices simulta- neously. In line with 21st century technological needs, teachers can access and display a multitude of applica- tions and differentiated online learning opportunities. English teacher Amy Payne loves it all. “The big work space, flexible in how it can be arranged, the awesome AV, the easy blinds, the furniture, and how sound proof it is.” As Director of Development Siobhan Law- lor points out, Priory wants a classroom that can be adapted to whatever the learner needs, “creating an environment that’s best for our students to learn in.”
Sophomore Armando Gonzalez-Zaragoza sums it all up. “The new building is like a new dream.” Our founding monks 57 years ago had their dream, and the gorgeous new Benedictine classroom building contin- ues to add color and detail to that dream.
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