Walking into Eleanor Roosevelt High School as a returning patron, whether you’re a staff member or a returning student, you’re bound to notice changes in the environment, whether it be new teachers, new faces, or new… stair decorations?
That’s unexpected— to kick off the 2025 school year, the halls of ERHS have seen a facelift in the form of a renovation of the stairs, and those who have noticed the odd renovation decision have varying opinions on their observations.
Some students, like senior Sophia Reynolds, took a minor interest in the designs. “I low-key like the designs. I like the book idea that they have for the English part of the stairs, and that’s like the main one that stuck with me. I think that one was cool, like, the book spines or whatever. I did notice that, like, they’re in the wrong hallways.” Reynolds notes. She doesn’t necessarily agree with all of the design choices, though she considered the design choices “[a] little bit weird-looking.” And believes “[that] they could have done something a little different with [the raider design], maybe put [a mascot] somewhere else.”
To add on to her previous observations, Reynolds comments on how she “[doesn’t] think it was that expensive to do anyway, it looks like, just like paper, so I guess it’s fine.” The paper appears to be laminated and stuck to the faces of the steps, which could pose issues regarding the upkeep of the renovation, and is perceived as ‘cheap’ by some. But that doesn’t mean the stair renovation is unwelcome by any means. In fact, Reynolds believes “it’s a good way to add more personality to the building.”
As previously noted, the English design is swapped with a completely different design made of planets, which was primarily meant to be on the other side of the building, where the physics and science classes are. Observers like senior Leah Martinez acknowledge how the stairs’ renovation “gave the school more life.” Martinez also cites a particular affinity for the design based on ‘The Roosevelt Way,’ the school motto featuring the Raider mascot.
Every year brings something new to see at school, whether it be metal detectors to enter the building, a new cafeteria remodel, or new stairs renovation. Despite their desire for minor improvements regarding design choices, the consensus among students and staff is: these new additions have generally boosted the school’s atmosphere, paving the way for a brighter learning environment.
Here are some gallery photos, please enjoy!
