Students came back to school to find a redesigned testing center in the LOHS library, now facilitated by its new testing coordinator, Roxanne Meier. The quiet space allows students to take tests without being disturbed by the activity of the library, meaning that the library staff will not have to schedule around popular testing times.

Meier said of the relocation, “It’s nice … to have a designated spot for [test taking] versus being in the center of the library.” This was a welcome improvement from previous years, where people going to the bathroom or passing by the testing center could easily distract students from their work. Secretary Karen Silverstein said of the previous location, “[It] was loud, it was confusing and it was out in the public. . .it was just really difficult.”

The testing center will stay open for the entire school day, with Silverstein stepping in for Meier during times like lunch breaks to help keep the center running.  “We’ll have two bodies that will be able to switch in and out so that if she needs to work on a student one-on-one to take a test … then I’ll step in and handle watching [the other] students,” Silverstein said. 

Another advantage of the space is the potential it has to open up more chances for individual work with students who need help. Because of the availability of both Meier and Silverstein, it will be easier to divide attention between generally monitoring test takers and providing more one-on-one guidance in separate areas of the library. However, the logistics of providing individual assistance are still being worked on. “It’s going to depend on . . . how many students need extra help,” explained Silverstein. Meier echoed this sentiment, hoping to provide help inside and outside of the main center.

With the relocation of the testing center, 12 computers remain for general use in the former testing area, while the others are now distributed between the study hall area and testing center. According to Meier, the time that was previously “wasted” on the computers has converted to productive work. “Now,” she described, “[we see more of] people requesting print jobs or working on assignments.” 

Despite the challenges that students could potentially face in adapting to the new layout of the library, Meier believes that these changes will ultimately benefit the student body, as she remarks: “I’m looking forward to helping everyone with their testing needs… looking forward to having a really good year.”