Recently, Flint Hill’s Learning Commons had a furniture refresh where new chairs, tables, and couches were installed. It is a popular place for students to focus and quietly study. Students typically utilize this space during their free periods and office hours. However, the Learning Commons is also conveniently open to students in the morning before school starts and during break. It has become the perfect space for productivity.
The Learning Commons was closed from Tuesday, January 13th, through Thursday, January 15th. During this time, students weren’t allowed in while the old furniture was removed and the new pieces were being built. Fortunately, the student deans, administrators, and teachers, whose offices are located in the Learning Commons, were able to continue using their offices since access to their offices was not needed. The furniture was mainly brought in two waves, one set on Tuesday and then another set on Wednesday. It took around a day and a half to build each wave of furniture.
A student in my free period, Lauren Bui ‘28, said that she “really likes the new furniture because it is easier to focus in the booths and they are pretty cozy.” She values how comfortable the new furniture is and how it is arranged to promote concentration. On the other hand, she noticed that “it can be difficult to sit with a large group at the tables due to their small size.” Anna Kate Johnson ‘28 agrees that it is hard to fit a large group when the majority of tables on the second floor only fit two people. Personally, I agree with both these viewpoints, but also think that these new tables offer a great option for individual studying.
The Dean of Student Life and Community, Ms. Tam, has her office in the Learning Commons. In an interview with her, she shared her opinion of the new furniture as someone who spends the majority of her time in the Learning Commons. “The furniture really facilitates what the Learning Commons is meant for — learning! I also think that the furniture on the upper level is great for quiet socializing and unwinding.” She thinks the furniture is a great fit both functionally and aesthetically. While sharing her opinion, she encourages students to continue to give feedback, as their voices are extremely important.
One of the biggest advocates for these changes in the decision-making process was our Associate Head of School for Finance and Operations, Ms. Anne Peterson. As a school, it was agreed that it was time to change the furniture due to the old furniture having so many years of wear and tear. Everyone helping to make these changes did an amazing job and truly exemplified their commitment to provide the absolute best for the students.
