Opening of the Roof
Gabrielle Ketchum (10-2) & Jocelyn Goldstein (10-2)
Photo courtesy of Gabrielle Ketchum (10-2)
With the kick-off to a fresh school year, the roof has seen the most action since its closure in 2020. The journey to the reopening of the roof has been everything but simple, as renovation efforts were met with lengthy setbacks. Despite students’ optimism for the reopening in the 2021-2022 school year, the facility remained closed throughout the entire duration. Now, after two school years devoid of the thrilling basketball games, intense spikeball matches, and socialization in the sun, the roof is finally open and accessible to students.
Equipped with a host of improvements, the remodel includes a fresh paint job on the basketball courts, new backboards and rims, a new cage, and enhanced seating for lounging, the new roof promises to offer students a chance to exercise, socialize, and enjoy some fresh air and sunshine. “The weather is always super nice at this time of year. Watching everybody interact and play games and have a good time is a nice break from the school day,” Emi Gerveni (10-2) noted. Other students emphasize the effect of being outside opposed to indoors during their lunch period: “I think it's a lot easier to get work done up on the roof, especially if you find your own little corner. The fresh air is so much better than being stuck in the library,” Ana Sorrentino (10-4) said.
Upon interviewing some of Masterman’s class of 2023 seniors, the same sense of joy over the roof’s reopening was emitted. Rose Dorfman (12-3) said that “being able to see everyone, being outside and getting fresh air and playing sports” were her favorite aspects of the roof. Elena Giannoumis (12-3) provided similar thoughts: “I love the fresh air and playing basketball.” Kara Harris (12-1) specifically highlighted her appreciation for the music played on the roof: “this new DJ that we have up here, rocking the tunes 24/7.”
While the roof has provided students with enjoyment, there are still concerns about the closure of an essential part, the Senior Lounge: “I think it is very unfair, and unjust to the senior society that we have in this building.” Kara Harris (12-1) voiced. In years past, the lounge has provided seniors with an exclusive place to enjoy their lunch periods. In lieu of recent staffing issues, the Senior Lounge has been closed off. “It seems like they (administration) don’t trust us. Which is really weird because we are seniors and they should be able to trust us.” Elena expressed. Building off of this point Kara questioned: “Where’s the loyalty?”
Historically the senior lounge has been a senior tradition, giving seniors the privilege of having their own secluded area on the roof. “I think after the pandemic and being in and out of school last year, we deserve to have a space to ourselves, to fully let go during lunch during a stressful time of college applications,” senior Kara expressed. This sense of disappointment is shared among other seniors: “I don’t think it’s right. Personally, I’d love to be in the senior lounge chilling, but I guess we can’t,” Rose voiced.
Overall, students have expressed appreciation for the outdoor experience the roof provides, as well as desires for an open Senior Lounge.