by Fiona Lipczenko ‘25

In order to keep up with development programs at local high schools, such as the complete replacement of Northwood’s facility and major capital projects at Damascus and Poolesville, Sherwood is instituting an innovative interior design plan. Staff, students, and parents alike are stunned by the nonconformist design choices manifesting in the building.

To really open up the space, building services have been removing ceiling tiles. Not only does it eliminate mold spores to improve public health, but it also contributes to creating an airy atmosphere that helps students clear their heads. The exposed wires and piping double as real-world examples of engineering and electrical design for students interested in such educational pathways.

Due to a lack of window access to natural imagery, the school has opted for interior water features to better connect students to nature. The most notable of these is the rain effect, which has been most notably tested in B212, the upper H hall nearby H245, and the cafeteria. Ceiling tiles unpredictably begin leaking fresh, rejuvenating water to simulate natural rainfall, occasionally landing on lucky, unsuspecting passerby. The incorporation of natural elements in the learning environment has certainly taken Sherwood by storm.

Other attempts at reconnecting students with nature include wooden boards over bathroom doors simulating forest-like ambiance and the introduction of “animal encounters” programming. Such programming is evident in math teacher Babasola Ogusanya’s classroom, where a swarm of bees made their home in one of the light fixtures throughout September, and in rumors of cockroaches throughout the building. The visitation of a raccoon in the art department over the summer diversifies these animal encounters to include mammals. After all, there is absolutely nothing of greater importance at Sherwood than encouraging diversity. Fondly nicknamed Rocky, the raccoon left his paw prints in art teachers Shel Spangle’s and Hailey Mitkoff’s offices, as well as on the community’s hearts.