Students and staff returned on January 13 to reimagined spaces, including library upgrades at Beyer, Enochs, Davis, Johansen, and Downey. Modesto High School's library received upgrades after the start of school. These transformations bring a “college feel” to high school libraries, featuring collaborative areas, sleek furniture, and vibrant designs to inspire academic success. At Modesto High, new furniture even includes school logos, fostering pride and connection.
Driven by requests from librarians at each site, these upgrades were designed to meet the unique needs of every school while replacing furniture that was, in some cases, 30–40 years old. The results are modern, flexible hubs tailored for today’s students—spaces that prepare them for modern learning environments and mirror the welcoming atmosphere found in college libraries.
Tamra McCarthy, Teacher Librarian at James Enochs High School, shared her enthusiasm for the transformation at her site: "The Enochs High School library has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving into a warm, inviting, and dynamic environment that fosters creativity, collaboration, and connection. Thanks to funding provided by MCS bond money, our library now features modernized furniture, including soft seating for individuals and groups, new booths, and tables designed to encourage collaboration. These upgrades create an inspiring atmosphere where students can comfortably read, complete homework, interact with peers, tutor one another, study, and simply relax and chat with friends."
She also emphasized how these changes reflect a broader vision.
"This modernization project was driven by a vision of each librarian to create a space that meets the needs of today’s students, who require flexible, functional, and engaging environments to thrive academically and socially," she added.
While still tailored to high school needs, these updates reflect the modern, welcoming environments found in today’s college libraries, bridging the gap between secondary and post-secondary academic spaces.
Johansen's Instructional Materials Technician, Donna Gibbons, who works in the newly updated Media Center, is also excited.
"We have a huge crowd here before school and during lunch, so I can't wait to see what they think. They will be thrilled," Gibbons shared.
The redesigned library feels more open and inviting, thanks to thoughtful reconfigurations that use the existing space better. Updated magazine racks showcase the latest reads, and inviting gathering areas have been added, creating the perfect spots for collaborative projects and socializing. These thoughtful upgrades aim to make every visit more engaging, whether students tackle homework, dive into a good book, or brainstorm with friends.
In addition to library upgrades, several schools now feature new relocatable modular classrooms, which provide much-needed space to support student learning. These additions benefit Everett, Marshall, Martone, Muir, Rose, Sonoma, and Enslen.
These classrooms, funded partly through various district initiatives, were installed to address growing enrollment and ensure modern, flexible instruction environments. Several of these new classrooms will replace older portables or expand capacity at high-demand sites, such as Marshall and Martone Elementary Schools.
The new modular classrooms include enhanced features, such as improved lighting, updated interiors, and more efficient layouts, creating a welcoming atmosphere for students and staff alike.
