Courtyard Courtship

Stumbling through the unkept grass in the courtyard between the new art wing and the gym, a metaphorical machete swings. A student or teacher can easily envision the new landscape in the courtyard as developed and inviting, but not interfering with the tranquility of the school environment.

Not one, but two of these visions are possible, and may not be as far away as we think. “If there’s a barrier, find a way to go around the barrier” says Scituate High School Principal Robert Wargo. Through gaining a coalition of teachers and administration, we have been able to see a real future for the courtyard and its use by students. Not only will it be utilized during passing, but a goal in the near future is for it to be a place for teachers to educate, as well as for students to get fresh air during their stress-filled days.

Steve Maguire, teacher of Ornithology, among many other science classes at Scituate High School, had been able to make use of the courtyard when he raised mallard ducks there last year. Maguire told The Scituation, “I think from September to April, the courtyard could be used for students and teachers passing through, maybe some tables out there for study hall, et cetera.”

While students agree that the courtyard would be a great space for more than just passing in between classes, the Life Skills classes utilizes the space as a garden from May until the end of the school year. Maguire said he is in full support of rejuvenating the space as long as the trees are preserved and the space that is already being utilized for classroom activities is respected.  Our hope now is that students, administrators, or faculty will take the initiative to give students more access to the outdoor space, and get the most out of the resources available at SHS.