MBHS launches campaign to fund mall improvements and more

Renovations to the Mountain Brook High School mall, lunchroom and library are in the works, and the school is looking to the community for support. In May a two-year capital campaign, Transformations 2017, launched to raise money for the updates.

Phase I of the transformation was completed in August, and students began the year with a newly decorated mall. Students in Leadership Mountain Brook worked with architects and designers to address the best use of the space, and the mall now features portable, ergonomic furniture that dramatically increases seating and work areas. A grab-n-go cart makes getting lunch or a snack between classes easier for students, while long, centrally located tables feature charging stations for students to keep their new school-issued laptops ready for use. This year all MBHS students were also issued a Dell touchscreen Chromebook to support instruction and increase access to online textbooks, assessment tools and other resources. 

“We are very excited about the technology bundle and the resources that it will provide our students and faculty,” Principal Amanda Hood said. “The Transformations 2017 campaign is allowing us to transform the entire campus into a multipurpose learning space.”

Phases II and III of the transformation will include renovations of the lunchroom and library. In the redesigned lunchroom, students will be able to gather in a booth and eat lunch while working in a bright, open and inviting new space. 

Hood perhaps is most excited about the planned changes to the library. “Currently, the library sees over 900 student visits each day, but offers seating for only 60 students,” she said. “The transformed library will include technology upgrades and increased seating that will allow our students to work individually and in groups, while dedicated classroom areas will allow our teachers to best prepare students to learn in an ever-changing environment.”

Campaign chair Elizabeth Farrar and corporate liaisons Lyle Cain, Sam Tortorici and Marc Tyson are helping Hood with the fundraising efforts. The next fundraising event will be a silent auction in September, when elementary and junior high school parents will be able to bid on unique experiences for their children. High bidders may win a dance party with Dorians, ball boy packages or private lessons with members of one of the high school’s many state championship teams. More events are planned throughout the next two years, including a family dinner fundraiser in the spring. 

For more information, visit the MBHS website and click the Transformations 2017 logo.

-Submitted by Elizabeth Farrar