As I sit in my class shivering, I try to pay attention to what my teacher is saying. However, I am so cold that it is almost impossible to focus. The classroom temperature can be very distracting sometimes, which takes away from my ability to learn effectively.
This shouldn’t be an issue, as every classroom has a thermostat in it. The problem is that the thermostats are inside lockboxes, inaccessible to students and teachers. As a result, many have found themselves preoccupied with the temperature of the classroom rather than the lesson.
According to High School Principal and Campus Head Lisa Vardi, thermostats are locked because otherwise students and teachers could constantly change temperatures in the classrooms, which would be costly to the school.
While unlocking the thermostats may be slightly more costly for CESJDS, it would greatly benefit the learning environment for students and teachers, and ensure that maintenance staff is not disturbed during their already busy days.
Especially on days when it is hotter outside, the air conditioning (AC) is blasting. It is unnecessary for classrooms to be so cold just because it is slightly hot outside. Vardi believes that part of the reason for the AC’s extreme temperatures of classrooms can be attributed to the age of the system.
A study by the Environmental Protection Agency special award winners shows that students in a controlled room performed better than those in warmer or colder rooms. Additionally, a study at Cornell University found that a good temperature for studying is between 70-78 degrees fahrenheit. Despite this, air conditioning at JDS in classroom thermostats is set to go on at 72 degrees, which could explain why students are so cold on hot days.
The necessity to bring extra layers like sweatshirts throughout the whole school year also adds to this issue. Because of JDS’ cold temperatures, I noticed that even when it’s hot outside, I am uncomfortable in short sleeves and shorts.
I think the main adjustment that would be made if the thermostats in classrooms were to be unlocked is turning the AC off when it is on unnecessarily. While teacher and student access could be used to turn up the heat or AC, I believe that would not happen very often. Instead, I think access would mainly be used to address the issue of the often cold temperature in classrooms by turning ACs off.
Throughout the school year, some of my teachers have called maintenance staff to help change temperatures. This takes away from class time that could be used in more productive ways, and is also a temporary solution as temperatures fluctuate depending on things like the number of people in the room. It would be much easier to just allow teachers to make quick changes on the thermostat.
We are very fortunate to have thermostats all throughout JDS. We should take advantage of this privilege, and the thermostats should be unlocked for everyone to access. Or, teachers should at least be given the key. Instead of complaining about being too hot or cold, and taking away time from learning, students or teachers could simply turn the temperature up or down as needed. While unlocking the thermostats may be more costly, it would immensely improve students’ focus and teachers’ ability to teach, leading to more productivity in classes.
