Refreshed Windows Are Latest in Series of School Renovations
Howie the Hornet helps Dr. Quinlan oversee the construction process. Photo: Tashfa Umair
By KELLY LI and TASHFA UMAIR
Over the past few years, Midwood has been undergoing a massive building upgrade that includes replacing more than 600 windows, repointing old brickwork, and renovating the roof.
The new windows are designed to be more durable, keeping classrooms insulated. Small white dots on the glass also help prevent birds from flying into them.
“Windows eventually lose some of the phosphorus inside that helps with the insulation,” said Principal Dr. Robert Quinlan. “They eventually wear down and lose their ability to stay open, so we replace them.”
“The windows are a massive undertaking because they include custom frames,” he added. “Not all the windows are all the same shape.”
Behind the scenes, a network of individuals has kept the project running smoothly, from demolition and installation crews to electricians.
Some students are already seeing the difference.
“Honestly, it's like a whole new aesthetic,” said Maribel J. Santacruz ‘26. “It's not as dark whenever you pass by the Siberias and especially during gym, when you can see the outside world for once in your life.”
While the renovations have brought major improvements, they have also required some adjustments to the school schedule.
“We had to make sure we were out of the building on certain weekends so they could do work that we couldn't have staff in the building for,” said Assistant Principal of Organization Mr. Alan Stack. “We constantly have workers in the building after school hours.”
Shutting down the building every weekend has helped speed up construction and get the scaffolding done a half year earlier.
Dr. Quinlan said the school wanted to make sure that “our seniors, class of 2026, could take their wonderful senior photos outside.”
“I am very grateful to our custodial team, especially Mr. Catrone, Mr. Rahm, Mr. Louie, and the rest of the staff who were always coordinating with the contractors and making sure that the job was done the right way and they're always here 24/7,” he added. “I'm also grateful to the administrative team and Mr. Kolotkin and everyone for coordinating dates and working with the contractors to make sure the project could get done as soon as possible.”
Looking ahead, Midwood is planning even more improvements, including new light exits, additional security cameras, a new robotics room in 440, enhancing the annex roof, flood prevention work, and more mailboxes for teachers.
In addition to the newly installed windows, fresh shades will soon be added as well.
“Some of the shades in the old rooms were totally defunct, so the shades will be new and improved,” said Dr. Quinlan.
He also revealed exciting plans for renovating the auditorium, including lighting, sound, and “a screen on the back wall with a projector that you can project backgrounds onto. You'll never need to paint again for any show.”
“We try to do things that help make it a nicer place for all of us, but mainly for you guys to be in,” said Mr. Stack.
If all goes according to plan, Midwood’s familiar brick exterior will finally be visible again in the spring semester when the scaffolding fully comes down, marking the end of construction and the beginning of a renewed Midwood.