The most recent SDA Forum brought up the issue of the P-Quad lacking school culture, in that currently the buildings are still a drab brown, and are located in an inconveniently isolated location. Located in Room 61 and hosted by senior Nate Neumann and Junior Katie Wimsatt, with notes by juniors Mary Ford and Blake Stoner-Osbourne, students, teachers, and staff congregated to discuss issues currently plaguing the school, as well as future plans and solutions. Further issues and announcements included the placement of new picnic tables and umbrellas, Principal Bjorn Paige’s book club, and upcoming CASP testing.

In regard to the P-Quad, Paige disclosed that although SDA is currently renting the P buildings, meaning that no art can be directly applied to the buildings (as in painting), although the school is making attempts to be able to hang art from the buildings. Talk was also made of involving the P Quad in homeroom olympics as to reduce the distance (both geographically and psychologically) of the P Quad from the rest of campus. Other ideas included the addition of a garden to the portables, as to give students a reason to walk there.

Students were also particularly enthusiastic and forthcoming regarding locations to place ten new picnic tables recently brought in by the school. Ideas included the grassy hill east of the Mosaic, the courtyard west of the chemistry classes, and the outside of the media center. Many students were quick to offer ideas on locations and possibilities regarding the new equipment, as well as other ideas regarding shade devices to place around the campus.

Principal Paige made a short announcement regarding his book club, which has heretofore only included parents, teachers, and staff. Paige wants to include students this time around, for a book entitled How to Raise an Adult, which will be discussed in early April. Paige will also be posting his own articles and annotations regarding the book in case anyone doesn’t have the time to finish the book before the scheduled date.

Finally was talk of the CASP testing, a test for juniors that also helps to determine the school’s income. Talk indicated that most students were unaware of the testing until it was brought up at the Forum, which led to plans of further announcements to keep students in-the-know. The importance of CASP testing was heavily stressed by many teachers and staff, as well as Neumann, who encouraged everyone to show up in order to support their school and have fun.