Issue link: http://latinschool.uberflip.com/i/1077063
Step aside cafeteria. Move over library. These two separate spaces, arguably the social and academic hubs of any school, are no more. Revamped and reconfigured in the summer of 2018, the upper school Learning Commons now combines these two former spaces in an innovative and thoughtful way. Not So Common Learning Space The new Learning Commons boasts five dedicated collaborative spaces. Four of these are small conference rooms with glass walls and whiteboards, where groups of students can meet to work on projects. One of the collaboration rooms is a designated rehearsal space for presentations, outfitted with an Apple TV, a laptop and screens. Students reserve these rooms using a Google form. "We are also working on a sign-up app," said Mary Gertrude White Upper School Director Kirk Greer; he hopes the app will be available by next academic year. Another feature of the Learning Commons is the writing center. Staffed by English teacher Jim Joyce, as well as trained student editors, the center is available by appointment or on a drop-in basis. Students can get help with their papers and other writing assignments. This past semester, there have been nearly 260 student writing conferences held in the space. "Traffic has more than doubled from last year," said Greer, when the center was tucked away on the fifth floor. Perhaps one of the spaces with the biggest "wow" factor is the Citadel Innovation Studio, a maker space with 3D printers, laser cutters, hi-resolutions printers and even soldering equipment. NOT SO COMMON LEARNING SPACE 28