The staff lounge, which some might have characterized as unappealing and ugly, has been reborn as a modern, hip and healthy sanctuary space, thanks to the efforts of history teacher Caron Brownlee, former assistant principal Aaron Pope, office secretary Carolyn Daughton, and parent club head Windee Dunn.

“The staff room was barren, depressing,” said Brownlee of the original room across the hall from the principal’s office. “It was not to the standards of Campolindo.”

“I don’t want to say it was ugly,” said Daughton. “But there was not enough seating, outdated furniture. Drab is the word.”

The parent club and the teachers appealed to the administration September of last year, and renovations began over the summer. The old furniture was thrown out and replaced with IKEA brand tables and chairs, and new draperies were purchased. The maintenance crew also applied a new coat of paint to the walls.

Funding for the project was provided by the parents club.

“I have to thank the parent’s club for this donation,” said Daughton. “Everything now is just so white and beautiful.”

Currently, the staff are looking for artwork to put on the walls. Daughton has asked photo teacher Collette Sweeny to provide art, but Brownlee has a different idea for the staff room.

“We’re trying to get the art club to do a mural for the staff room,” said Brownlee. “It’s kind of an informal arrangement.”

“Currently, we don’t have a plan for it, as we’ve been a bit disorganized,” said art club president Andrew Price. “But we expect to be done by the end of the year.”

In addition, 2 Keuris coffee machines, various kitchen utensils, and 4 new tables were purchased to make the space more inviting. “We hope to buy a couple of lanterns to improve the lighting,” said Brownlee.

“More and more people are using the staff lounge than ever,” said Daughton. “All faculty appreciate the staff room greatly.”