On January 13, at approximately 11:45 a.m., new desks and chairs filled the RHB 61 classroom. Just an hour before, a Spanish IV class was held with the traditional tablet arm desks. Now, new large lined desks with separated green chairs surround the room. The new classroom pilots a potential format for future classrooms in the Rothenburg building.

Ms. Irina Kotsinian, Director of Facilities, explained the project to test a new format for future classrooms. “It is really important for us to continuously improve the classroom experience, and that means new layouts, new setups,” she said. “But, before we move forward with upgrading the entire building, we’ve decided it is a smart approach to initiate a pilot program.”

Ms. Melissa Kelley, Upper School History Chair, teaches Crisis and Courage in Global History and Art History in RHB 61. According to Ms. Kelley, when it came to deciding where to test the new classroom formation, the History Department agreed that her classroom fit best, especially for her Art History class, where they work on assignments requiring larger surfaces. “I’m so excited. I have been really wanting tables and chairs, wanting bigger surfaces for students to work on,” she said. “I think it’s going to be more comfortable for students as well.” 

Both freshmen and sophomores have expressed excitement towards the new classroom. “I like it, it feels like everyone’s just sitting closer [together]… class discussions are very easy overall to communicate with everyone,” said Marni M. ’29, who takes her World Views: Connect Ancient / Modern class in RHB 61.

“I like the newer [desks] much more. Personally, I don’t like the old chairs where the tables are connected [to] the chair because I can’t adjust the seat… It just feels uncomfortable for me personally,” Naomi T. ’29 added.

However, junior Dylan S. felt the new formation was geared towards STEM classrooms. She said, “I don’t think [the new classroom] would work very well for a humanities class where you need to discuss and see everyone face to face.” 

“I like the new desks, but I don’t like the new formation… Like, how the two desks in the center kind of are just isolated from everyone else. It’s a little weird,” sophomore Lexie F.-W. said, who takes Creative Writing in the RHB 61 classroom. 

While the new classroom will be tested until the end of the academic year, Ms. Kotsinian said that if Upper School students do enjoy the new classroom format, Ms. Kotsinian and the Upper School Administration will decide whether to transform the rest of the Rothenberg classrooms. “We want people to be comfortable with the furniture they get, and I also believe in the thoughtful approach to purchases we make,” she said. “[The new furniture] will have high quality, it will not break easily, and will be ergonomic, comfortable, and offer certain flexibility for the classrooms.”