New learning commons put to good use at Knoch
JEFFERSON TWP — What do you get when you cross a school library with a comfy coffee shop? The Knoch High School Legacies Learning Commons.
The learning commons combines library books with upholstered furniture, egg chairs and three self-watering aeroponic units containing vegetable herb plants. It features an open classroom with large tables that can be written on and in which unfinished projects can be stored, a quiet area for study and a glass-walled collaboration room donated by United Plate Glass. It is also home to the Knoch Off Cafe, where special education students in the life skills program serve coffee, soft drinks, hot chocolate and snacks.
The learning commons, a $125,000 project funded through the Knoch Knights Foundation and donors, was unveiled in September just as school was beginning.
The project has turned out to be a rousing success and has many benefits to all students, said Principal Todd Trofimuk.
He said the life skills students learn how to make change, prepare coffee and snacks, develop a work ethic and interact with the students they are serving.
“The regular ed students are patient, understanding, accepting and actually helpful,” Trofimuk said. “If they get the wrong change, they'll say 'Hey, I think you gave me too much.'”
He said the interaction that happens at the cafe is also a good lesson for the regular education students, who can be seen socializing with the life skills students in the hallways and at school events like dances.
“The students are not going out of their way,” said Trofimuk, who is a former special education teacher. “They are just being kind to someone new who they've gotten to know.”The students serving up the cafe's April special, seasoned microwave popcorn, along with coffee and cold drinks, enjoy working behind the counter and in the utilitarian kitchen.“My favorite thing about participating in the cafe is making hot chocolate and helping everyone at the school,” said Isaiah Negron, a senior.He also appreciates the chance to learn in a real-world setting.“It gives me more opportunities to try what's out there as I try to find my place in this world,” Isaiah said.Melanie Gialanella, also a senior, said the life skills students choose each month's specials. Next month, students can enjoy root beer floats at the cafe.“I like to help make the drinks and work at the cash register,” Melanie said.Once the bell rings, the learning commons empties out and a new crowd of students pour in to spend their study hall working on assignments, taking makeup tests, hanging out and decompressing or receiving tutoring from the math teacher scheduled to work their free period in the classroom area.Sophomore Rocky Kopac positioned himself at one of the 10 computer stations in the commons. He said the learning commons is an improved use of the library's space.“I think it's a better atmosphere,” Rocky said. “There's a lot more getting done.”He also likes the “writable tables” on which students can use a special marker to work out problems, take notes during a collaborative project or refer to a question written on the table by a teacher.“It makes everything easier than having so much paper,” Rocky said.He also likes the aeroponic units, which have grow lights that are timed to come on after school hours because of the glare.“At night, if you're here for practice, the lights light up and they look like alien ships,” Rocky said.Sarah Vasas, a senior who remembers the old library, also appreciates the new learning commons.“It's more functional,” Sarah said. “I like how they have utilized the space that they had.”She uses the classroom area and the writable tables the most because the large tabletops can accommodate books and backpacks right along with the assignments she completes during her study hall.“I like to be able to have lots of space to do things,” Sarah said.She said buying a coffee or snack in the cafe is also a great experience as she enjoys making her purchases from her classmates in the life skills program.“They are all so nice,” Sarah said. “I think it's a great way to get them involved with all of the students instead of just being separate.”Sarah sums up the thoughts of the faculty and staff regarding the new Legacies Learning Commons at Knoch High School.“It's brought life to this space,” she said.
