Air Academy is a great place with many opportunities. Students and teachers alike express their positive experiences all the time.  However, there is always room for improvement. I asked students and teachers what they would like to see changed at our school. A lot of people had to take a moment to think because AAHS already has many favorable qualities.

The teachers mentioned how they wanted to see change in the students.  Mrs. Uebelhoer commented, “Attendance rates have dropped this year and students are missing a lot of instructional time. I would like to see less absences and more accountability for make-up assignments.” When I asked our principal, Mr. Olson, he said, “We have the best kids, but my hope is for everyone to treat each other kindly. I want everyone to feel welcome and as though they have a place.” Some students shared the same thoughts as Mr. Olson. Taryn Wingett would like to see more respect given to teachers and our peers. Ben Vogrin wished to see more compassion within the school, and less egocentric, uncaring people. “I would like to see more acceptance and understanding between classmates,” stated Megan Manst.

Additionally,  a couple of teachers pointed out that we have a considerable amount of freedom compared to other schools. “Air Academy is a great place. I love the freedom that the school has, but I wish it wouldn’t be taken for granted. If the personal responsibility increases more freedom could be given,” said an anonymous teacher. One anonymous teacher thinks that technology is causing students and teachers work ethic to decline. They explained, “Technology is overrated and the  teaching ability goes down. There is too much reliance on technology and there is too much money spent on technology.”

Many students wanted to see the school’s spirit improve. Taylor Johnston said,“I think that I would really like to see a lot more positive participation after school events. I feel like attendance is really low at some of the games. I want to be able to have our school show off that Kadet spirit I know we all have!” Victoria Lambos agreed with a similar statement about wanting more people to dress up for spirit week. Dylan Raulie focused more on the community around us saying, “Because the campus of Air Academy is so secluded from the rest of Colorado Springs, I would like to see more energy put towards creating a better community in the school internally and creating better relationships with the schools around us.” Mr. Roiko had a very interesting solution to the problems with the isolation of our school. “I think if we move the entire school to the Rockrimmon area, we could connect with middle school more and have more people come to games. Otherwise, it is a great place,” he said.

It’s no secret that next year’s schedule is drastically changing and many people had opinions on the subject. Almost every student mentioned something about academy time or how the new schedule is set up.  “I want to see a five period schedule with academy next year,” said Alec Chai. Ali Parks had a similar thought saying, “I would like to see a more convenient schedule next year so that lunch is not so early.”

The other suggestions of change were details that could be accomplished. A swimming pool, working technology, and a new water fountain were among the improvements. Maria Mettler said, “I would like to see better heat regulations in classrooms because one classroom can be freezing cold and another can be super hot on the same day.”

Change can be a great thing for our school. The improvement of our students, teachers, the building, and overall atmosphere will make a better experience for everyone, making Air Academy even better than it already is.