Comstock Park — As sophomore Violet Swartz looked around the newly renovated high school cafeteria during the first week back to school, she noted that the use of the school’s signature green brought the space together and made it feel cleaner and more welcoming.
“I love the floor options,” she said. “You have four-person tables and you have tables for bigger groups.”
The cafeteria is just one of Comstock Park’s completed projects from a $59.46 million bond approved by voters in 2023. The projects included the renovation of Stoney Creek, the district’s oldest building, and new technology in every classroom across the district.
“I am super-excited to share our new high school kitchen, serving area and café with all of our students,” said Melissa Alley, Comstock Park’s food service director. “These updates give us the opportunity to serve more options and showcase the great meals we prepare, including even more fresh fruits and vegetables.”
The cafeteria seating area was brightened with fresh paint and a color scheme that reflects the school’s identity, Principal Kendra Faustin said. Standout features are the main accent wall displaying the district’s logo and several tables featuring the school’s signature colors and logo.
The remodel of the serving area has improved flow and accessibility, Alley said. Designed with a layout similar to a college dining hall, the space now includes two entrances and a wide exit area to ease congestion.
“We’re already seeing students move through the line more quickly,” Faustin said.
Students are able move through the area to view and select entrée options such as burgers, pizza, and subs. There is also a fresh vegetable and fruit bar.
“It’s just really nice,” said ninth-grader Adelle Swartz, who pointed out the sound-absorbing panels in the ceiling which help to cut down noise. “I like that they are making changes and improvements.”
In addition to work in the cafeteria, the high school’s main office had walls removed and was repainted, making the space much brighter, Faustin said. Windows were also added so staff could see the parking lot and visitors approaching the school.
The school’s Flex Academy was also reworked due to the construction of the school’s new auxiliary gym, which will be completed next fall. The space has new windows, carpeting and paint.
Other Projects
Elsewhere in the district this summer, work at the 1950s-era Stoney Creek was completed with classrooms and hallways receiving new furniture, paint and carpeting. Principal Robin Picarazzi said the renovations have given the facility a fresher, brighter feel.
Another new addition all students will see this year is the installation of interactive smart boards, called BenQ, in classrooms.
The BenQ boards are “really big tablets,” as one teacher described them, and include features such as a 4K touchscreen for lessons, brainstorming, video conferencing and whiteboard options. Staff are able to save notes, share screens with students and even feature a student’s screen on the board.
Teaching staff received training on the new technology prior to the start of the school year. Picarazzi said she’s looking forward to seeing how teachers incorporate them as the year progresses.
“It’s a lot easier to see,” Violet said of the new boards. “Sometimes with the overhead projects, it was difficult to read or they would get blurry.”
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