Classroom temperatures affect daily learning

Classroom temperatures affect daily learning

By Michal Ruprecht, Intern

 

Even with leaves falling, the heat cranked up and jackets brought up from storage, the change of seasons still hasn’t affected classroom temperature. Complaints about blasting air conditioning flood the building daily.

Energy and building operations supervisor Thomas Zaglaniczny is familiar with the inner workings of the school. During the heating season (winter months), temperatures are kept at 70 degrees and during the cooling season (summer months) the temperature is set at 72 to 74 degrees.

“I think that most people understand that we have guidelines for the heating and cooling temperatures in the district that are in place to save energy and also allow for a positive learning environment for students and staff,” Zaglaniczny said via email.

According to the Association of Teachers and Lecturers, the average prime temperature for classrooms should be 18 degrees Celsius (64.4 degrees Fahrenheit). Even though heat is subjective, many students are sensitive to the variety of climates.

Sophomore Fiona Byrne has noticed cooler temperatures at school, but she believes it’s the student’s responsibility to dress properly.

“I believe that sometimes it could be a little cold at our school but I think that it could be a mild distraction … I don’t really think it affects your grade or can make you sick,” Byrne said. “Students just need to dress more appropriate for the weather if they want to be warm.”

Spanish teacher Jennifer Spears observed that the oscillating temperatures have a direct influence on her students, causing distractions.

“I have noticed when it feels hot in the classroom, kids are more sluggish and sleepy and I think it’s just harder to feel alert and pay attention,” Spears said. “But there’s also the flip side. When it’s cold, kids … want to leave to get a sweatshirt or a sweater. Then you got that potential disruption too or just the fact that kids are uncomfortable because they’re sitting by the vent and its blowing out cold air.”

Michigan residents, familiar with the state’s renowned bipolar temperatures, tend to accept the weather’s spontaneity. Junior Adam Schreck believes altering temperatures in the school produces inefficiency throughout the day.

“I think it just affects the way that they (students) have to dress, especially when it’s really cold outside because we live in Michigan,” Schreck said. “It’s usually too hot in the school, so … they wouldn’t dress properly for the outdoor weather, they’re dressing for the indoor weather.”

Even though some classrooms may be harder to withstand, TV production teacher Brian Stackpoole appreciates the hard work that is put into controlling the temperature.

“I think the school does a really great job getting the building to be at a normal temperature and a consistent temperature, and I think that everyone understands that you want students to not have those exterior conditions affect learning,” Stackpoole said.

Energy and building operations engineers face many challenges. For Zaglaniczny, finding a balance for everyone is difficult due to unpredictable weather, school budgets and a large building.

“The biggest challenges are making sure everyone is comfortable while they are in the classrooms and other parts of the buildings. As the seasons change, the call for heating or cooling can vary from the morning to the afternoon and it takes time to get the boilers or the chiller up and running and to bring up on line,” Zaglaniczny said via email. “Knowing what the weather is going to be like is a major priority for the engineers.”

The engineering staff paid close attention to Stackpoole’s room last year, since it’s one of the most versatile rooms in the building. He aspires for a repeat of last year.

“What’s really hard is that it’s really expensive … and personally I feel like what we do now is definitely good enough for us to continue our teaching and learning,” Stackpoole said. “It’s just something you have to work with, so my hope is that they’ll (the engineers) be able to keep working on it and make it as good as it was last year.”