Cold brick and mortar enclose the halls. Lockers rise and tower over all who scamper beneath the fluorescent lights. The walls close in, press down, and turn a passing period into a tunnel crawl, until… an oasis. Beautiful windows reveal a shining sun upon green grass, tall trees, and welcoming benches. A courtyard awaiting all who seek a moment to take a break and breathe fresh air. Especially as the world greets the oncoming spring season and warmer weather, Sandburg’s courtyards are more important than ever. It’s just a matter of when and how the courtyards can be utilized.
Nature and sunshine have been proven to improve learning, focus, and mood in various studies. According to the University of Michigan, after allowing classes to spend time outdoors, 52% of students reported feeling calmer and 22% reported feeling less stressed. Even 92% of teachers noted improved behavior. To compare, the National Institute of Health states that 75% of high school students suffer from stress and anxiety at school. Spending more time outside in courtyards could change this statistic at Sandburg.
To use the courtyards, people must understand what each one is for. An interview with Sandburg’s Building Manager, Mr. Durkin, provides that and more. To begin, Sandburg actually has three courtyards: the South, the Dean’s, and the Triangle. The South Courtyard is primarily a green space in the South Building, while the Dean’s Courtyard is better known as it is right next to the Grill. The Triangle Courtyard, as Mr. Durkin describes, was “recently enhanced with additional seating. It now accommodates lunch periods and has enough seating to host an entire class outdoors.”
Sandburg did not always have these amazing spaces for fresh air and student communication. They were part of the school’s original design, but have not stayed the same since 1954, when Sandburg was first built. “During the 2001 expansion, the courtyards were preserved as part of the building’s identity. In 2023, they were remodeled after recognizing they were underutilized; additional seating and updates were added,” Mr. Durkin explains.
However, keeping the courtyards maintained is no walk in the park. “Grounds crews maintain the courtyards through routine landscaping and upkeep,” Mr. Durkin says, “including leaf removal, tree trimming, grass cutting, mulching, weeding, and seasonal planting.” Often, these efforts are taken for granted by students. It goes to show that every piece of garbage not thrown away is another that must be cleaned up by a hard-working crew member.
By keeping the courtyards clean and ready, everyone can use them. Adventure Ed builds forts and practices balance on slacklines tied between trees. Teaching classes are allowed a space for their preschoolers to run and play. With correct permissions, any class can utilize Sandburg’s incredible courtyards. However, they are not accessible during passing periods.
If they were accessible, this could allow for easier passing from building to building. Therefore, it could cut down on crowds in the halls and even tardies. Students would be able to get some sun and fresh air while also getting to class on time. Having a class in the upper north should not force students to be late to their next class in the lower south. If it is a growing interest, a case would have to be made to Sandburg’s administration to allow the opening of courtyards.
High school can feel like a weight crushing students beneath. Yet, courtyards offer a space where students can get a short respite and recenter themselves. With ample time outdoors beneath the sun, the bright blue sky is the limit.