As a new school year begins, students set their alarms back to 6 a.m., finish last minute summer homework, adjust to new teachers and memorize class schedules. Unlike last year, there have been several changes that FC implemented in order to provide a better educational setting for students.

Renovated science and computer labs

This school year, several changes have been made to the computer and science labs. Superintendent Debbie Siebert and her family members reconstructed both rooms by laying new tiles to the floor and adding new cabinets along with many other upgrades. In the computer lab, new sets of computers were added, along with a podcasting room. Siebert spent countless hours over the summer to make these improvements.

According to sophomore Rhyann Crain, she appreciates Siebert and her family members for providing a better environment for students to learn. Crain beleives that maintaing the rooms will be crucial.

“I think the new rooms are amazing,” Crain said. “It looks great, and I think having a good, clean environment will not only help me but my classmates too. But we should pitch in and help the rooms stay clean. Overall, I appreciate Mrs. Siebert for giving us a better place to learn.”

Senior Stefani Peck says that she is satisfied with the way the rooms turned out.

“The science and journalism rooms look really nice,” Peck said. “There’s a lot more room for students and I feel that things are more organized. It is a nice change and I am glad that our school is making positive changes.”

Convocation unites student body

Students and parents went to a convocation before attending classes as a way to gather as the FC family. The Worship Team opened up the ceremony by singing worship songs. Afterwards, Siebert told a story to emphasize unity and working together as a team.

According to Beth King, mother of junior Kaitlyn King and eighth grader Jennifer King, believes that it is crucial to unite together as a school.

“I think convocation went great,” King said. “I believe that it is important that the school comes together to start off on the right foot. To remeber that we are all together under God and that is our purpose, that we are at a school that worships God.”

Junior Rayna Endicott says that she enjoys attending convocations every year. She says that it is a great way to introduce newcomers to FC.

“I like to see the whole school gather together to kick off the year as one,” Endicott said. “It is a good way to get to know people and get them involved right away and start the year off with prayer and worship all together.”

Jon Agao,’14, agrees with Endicott and says that he enjoyed uniting as a school.

“I thought it was pretty cool that the entire k-12 school came together on the first day,” Agao said. “It really goes along with our motto and theme this year: ‘We Are One: Standing Firm.'”

New lunch program

After an unsuccessful year with Revolutionary Foods, various clubs and sports teams on campus decided to take over the lunch program. This will give an opportunity for clubs to earn money while providing students healthy meals.

According to high school secretary Vickey Belmont, the new lunch program will be beneficial, in that students will receive better quality food.

“I think that the new lunch program will help both clubs and students,” Belmont said. “For clubs, they will have an opportunity to earn money without leaving campus. Also, students will get better quality food that is healthy for them.”

According to senior Katie Barisic, she is not supporting the idea of clubs serving lunches. She believes that the themes are always going to be traditional.

“I don’t think it is a good idea,” Barisic said. “That means that the foods are almost always going to be clubs theme. Like the Spanish club lunches will always be Mexican or some other Spanish speaking countries cuisine, and the Asian club is always going to be Chinese food.”

Senior Alex Tedeschi agrees with Belmont and says that she is looking forward to the lunches that the clubs will provide. She believes that the well prepared meals will taste better.

“I think it is a great opportunity,” Tedeschi said. “Because we can get actual food instead of processed food. Last year, the food did not taste good at all, so nobody bought them. However, this year will be different.”

For more information, read the Aug. 13 article FC community gathers for convocation.