Curtis High School can be hard to navigate on your first try, and you can blame this unconventional layout mainly on the addition of the new wing. Officially the new wing is called the 17 wing, because it opened in 2017, but some people call it the IB building as there are many IB classes taught in the 12 classrooms there. Out of the 12 classrooms, only one, the media studies room, does not host any IB classes. The fact that many IB classes are taught in the newest part of the school is part of the controversy. Students have expressed how more non-IB classes should be in this new wing, as they believe it is a better learning environment. Ms. Pillarella, who will be retiring in January, has taught English in both buildings. She described the drastic physical differences of the two wings, including the architecture, views, and designs. Ms. Pillarella went on to say, “It’s a whole new world,” She also added, “I’ve worked in both wings for the past 16 years and I have to say that there are advantages to both. Since my English Dept office and lounge are in the old wing, I tend to want to teach over there and be around most of my colleagues. However, I love that the rooms in the new wing are so bright and clean looking. I also like looking at Manhattan over there but there are some killer gargoyle views in the old wing!”
Princeton Kpangbah, a senior in media studies, has classes in both the old building and the 17 wing. “I feel that the classrooms in the new wing are more organized and everything feels like an upgrade. Although I like the new building better, I can still focus in either setting but if it’s hot I like the old building better because the new building’s air conditioning is poor.”
Aesthetically, the buildings definitely have different vibes. Some students describe the new building as hospital-like and sterile, while other students like the clean lines and new classroom layouts. In comparison, the old building was often described as “dark and gloomy” and lacking in natural light. The old building, while timeless in its external architecture, is outdated inside. However, some students appreciate the history that is evident in the old building with paintings on the walls, murals and plaques commemorating various alumni. Mercedes Johnson, a sophomore who transferred this year prefers the new building because it’s a prettier and a newer environment. Ms. Pizzarelli, who teaches chemistry on the second floor of the main building, brought up the presence of labs in the old building, and the general “historic” feel of it. In addition to the labs, the Black Box Theatre, law room, nursing wing and art rooms are all found in the old building.
Many students notice not only the aesthetic change, but also the difference in the hallway environments. A junior, Nia Hawkins, who has class in both wings said, “There is no flow in the old wing because there are too many people in the halls. It is very hard to navigate and it feels like you are walking through a maze. In the new wing the traffic flows and I easily get to where I need to go.” Because the new wing is not a conduit to another part of the building the only students there have classes there. In the old building the hallways are used to get to different parts of the building so they are crowded with people trying to get to their next class.
