Harker Middle School Campus Opening September 2021

AI Summary: Harker Middle School is relocating from its Blackford Ave. campus to a Union Ave. location starting September 2021. The new campus features smaller classrooms, interior hallway doors, and exterior doors for science classes, as well as spacious areas for students to interact in-person after over a year of remote learning. This transition aims to create a fresh start with a new energy, closer community, and improved atmosphere for teachers and students.

Over the summer, the Harker Middle School began moving locations from the Blackford Ave. campus to the Union Ave. campus, which was previously the location of the Harker Preschool. After leasing the property on Blackford Ave. for sixteen years, the middle school started developing its own property at a new location on Union Ave., making adjustments for the needs of the students, faculty and administration. History teacher and Middle School History Department Chair Keith Hirota shares his enthusiasm for the transition to the Union Ave. location.

Literary Layers (Mostly Organized)
Rating: 6/10

Behold, the mighty fortress of fiction and fact – a bookshelf stretching into the horizon, or at least, as far as the frame allows. This image captures a standard library or bookstore setup, showcasing rows upon rows of books neatly (mostly) lined up like soldiers in a literary army. The sheer volume is impressive, promising countless hours of quiet contemplation or frantic last-minute research. The books on the top shelf, however, appear to have decided that the neat-and-tidy life wasn't for them and opted for a more freeform stacking approach, adding a touch of rebellious chaos to the otherwise regimented shelves below. It's a static scene, a snapshot of knowledge waiting to be absorbed, perhaps best titled "Where Imagination Goes to Gather Dust (Unless You Check it Out)."

From a photographic perspective, this is a straightforward, documentary-style shot. The composition is center-weighted and head-on, giving equal visual weight to each section of the shelf grid. While pragmatic for cataloging, it lacks dynamic angles, making it feel a bit flat – much like trying to read War and Peace in one sitting. The lighting is even but uninspiring, likely standard overhead fluorescent, which drains some life from the colors of the spines and produces predictable, uninteresting shadows. The palette is dominated by the warm wood tones and the mixed bag of book spine colors, grounded by the sensible, but not exactly exciting, grey carpet. The accidental inclusion of the blue chair leg in the lower right corner adds an unexpected element, like a plot twist you didn't see coming, reminding us that there's a world (and seating) outside the rectangular confines of the bookshelf. It’s a faithful capture, functional but perhaps not one for the 'Dramatic Library Photography' portfolio.

Gymnasium Glory (Quietly)

Rating: 7/10

Here we have a classic snapshot of an empty gymnasium, currently in a state of peaceful, pre-athletic slumber. The mood is quiet and expectant, a sterile potential waiting for the roar of the crowd, the squeak of sneakers, and the thud of bouncing balls. What's happening? Absolutely nothing, which in itself is a state of being for a gym. It's just sitting there, gleaming under bright lights, ready for its moment of glory, or perhaps, its moment of slightly awkward pickup game attempts. The scene is clean and well-maintained, hinting at a space respected even in its downtime.

From a photographic perspective, the composition is a decent wide shot capturing the expanse of the court, though the angle feels slightly off-kilter, leaning into the imposing dark green padded wall on the right. This wall, while functional, dominates the frame with its flat, dark mass. The eye is drawn along the lines of the polished wooden floor, which beautifully reflects the bright, even lighting coming from overhead fixtures and high, diffused windows. The ceiling structure is a busy network of beams, adding visual complexity above the main action zone. We see two basketball hoops: a standard-sized one ready for regulation play and a smaller, adjustable one, perhaps for younger players or lower expectations. The "EAGLE" logo emblazoned on the floor is a nice touch, providing a sense of identity, though it's frustratingly cropped. The overall style is functional and documentary, capturing the space as it is, bright and ready, if a little lacking in dramatic flair.

Wine Tasting Ambience (Needs More Ice)

Rating: 7/10

Okay, so here we have a scene straight out of a wine tasting event that probably required sign-ups months in advance and involved wearing linen pants. What's happening is a masked server is setting things up behind a table laid out for a wine tasting, featuring some St. Francis bottles and a rather large, slightly empty-looking ice bucket. The mood is definitely "pre-party hustle," a bit busy but also hinting at the relaxed enjoyment to come, assuming they find some ice. You can see plastic cups stacked in the background, ready for action (or more likely, spitting). Pertinent objects include the St. Francis Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay, along with the aforementioned ice bucket that seems to be experiencing an existential crisis due to lack of its primary function. The background shows a pleasant outdoor setting with a building, some greenery, and a few other masked patrons milling about, maintaining a respectable distance because, well, times.

From a photography standpoint, this is a decent capture of a moment, though it leans more towards documentation than art. Composition-wise, the angle is a bit high and slightly tilted, cutting off the top of the bottles and leaving a lot of plain white tablecloth in the foreground. The lighting is a mixed bag; the bright sun creates some harsh shadows, particularly on the table and the ice bucket, which makes metering a bit tricky and flattens some details. The colors are generally okay, but the bright sunlight might be washing out some of the subtle tones in the wine labels or the background. The subject matter is clear – wine tasting prep – but the framing could be tighter or more dynamic to draw the viewer in. It captures the scene, but perhaps misses an opportunity for a more intimate or visually striking perspective. Maybe next time, lean lower, find some softer light, and for the love of Bacchus, fill that ice bucket!

Patio Provisions & People Watching
Subject Rating: 6/10

This image captures a casual outdoor moment, a brief respite amidst what appears to be a bustling market or festival. The foreground features a spread on a green mesh table: a small plate holding half a bread roll topped with a piece of grilled meat, another small plate with a fresh spring roll or wrap, and a prominent bottle of Hoegaarden Belgian Wheat Beer resting on a napkin. In the background, partially obscured by bright sunlight and shadows, people mill about, some standing by what look like vendor stalls or displays. The overall mood is relaxed and informal, a snapshot of enjoying food and drink outdoors on a sunny day.

From a photographic standpoint, this is a candid snapshot capturing the scene as it happened, rather than a meticulously planned shot. The composition is a low-angle view from the table, effectively placing the viewer right there with the meal, though the table grating dominates a large portion of the frame. The lighting is courtesy of harsh direct sunlight, creating strong contrast and dappled shadows across the table, which isn't ideal for showcasing food but adds to the feeling of a bright outdoor day. The focus is primarily on the table items, with the background slightly soft, providing context without distraction. The style is natural and unpretentious, a common look for phone photography in bright conditions, prioritizing capturing the moment over perfect aesthetics – note the valiant attempt to make the steak look appealing despite the challenging light and slightly random placement.

“We’re seeing the students after 18 months,” Hirota said. “ I’m excited about having a fresh start at a new campus, especially coming out of COVID-19. Since the new campus is smaller, I think it will bring everyone closer. I’m really looking forward to having that new energy.”

Classroom Chaos (Pre-Chaos)

Rating: 6/10 - A functional shot of a functional space, rescued slightly by the colorful furniture, but otherwise suffering from common classroom afflictions.

Well, here we have it: the calm before the storm, or perhaps just an afternoon break. This image presents an empty classroom, rated a solid, unremarkable 6/10 on the photographic excitement scale. As is evident, absolutely nothing is "happening" in this scene, lending it a mood that is quiet, orderly, and perhaps a touch melancholic for the absence of rambunctious youth. The composition is a straightforward point-and-shoot affair, capturing the width of the room from a moderate angle, showcasing the practical sink and cabinetry area on the left, the vibrant seating arrangement in the center, and the window-lined wall beyond. It effectively documents the space but doesn't offer much in the way of visual flow or dynamic perspective.

Technically speaking, the lighting is probably the biggest critique point here. The overhead fluorescent lights cast a delightful pattern of crisscrossing shadows on the ceiling, which might be fascinating if you're studying interior lighting failures, but it does little to illuminate the room flatteringly. The natural light from the windows is present but feels secondary. Color-wise, the room is a study in contrasts: muted beiges and grays provide the backdrop for the surprisingly lively yellows, greens, blues, and oranges of the chairs, which bravely attempt to inject some personality into the scene. Relevant objects like the chairs with attached desks, the sink, cabinets, and even posters on the wall are clearly visible, fulfilling their documentary purpose. The background through the windows shows trees, suggesting a somewhat natural setting outside the otherwise institutional interior. The overall style is purely functional – capturing what the room *is* rather than what it *could be* with better lighting and a touch more artistic intent.

A Pillar of Knowledge (and also a literal Pillar)

Subject Rating: 8/10

This image transports us into the quiet, well-lit world of a library or educational space, possibly a school library, filled with the promise of information and learning. In the foreground, a long table serves as a display area, featuring books primarily centered around the tragic events of 9/11, along with a clear "Non Fiction" sign pointing the way. The table is also home to writing implements, a hand sanitizer bottle, and other organizational bits and bobs, suggesting active use. Beyond this central hub, the background reveals towering bookshelves neatly stacked with volumes, computer workstations hinting at research possibilities, and closed doors leading to other areas, all under bright, overhead fluorescent lights that create a clean, functional atmosphere. It’s a scene typical of a modern learning environment, dedicated to providing resources to curious minds.

From a photographic standpoint, the shot is a snapshot capturing a specific moment rather than a carefully composed masterpiece. The angle is slightly low, looking up at the scene, which gives the large white pillar in the right foreground an imposing presence – quite literally a pillar blocking the view! While the lighting is even and bright, it lacks direction and artistic flair, resulting in a somewhat flat image with minimal shadows. The composition feels a bit cluttered due to the busy table display and the dominant white pillar, which acts as an unintentional, albeit sturdy, subject, pulling focus away from the potentially more interesting elements like the book display. Perhaps a slight shift in position to exclude the pillar or frame it differently could have dramatically improved the visual flow and emphasized the intended subject matter, proving that sometimes, the most significant obstacles in photography are right in front of you.

Title: The Serene Symphony of Empty Chairs

Rating: 6/10

Behold the majestic stillness of a classroom, moments before the inevitable onslaught of eager minds (or perhaps just restless bodies). The subject is a neatly arranged learning space, featuring an impressive fleet of blue-backed chairs attached to small, mobile tables. It earns a respectable 6/10 for clarity and showing the space effectively, but it's not exactly winning any awards for sheer photographic drama. What's happening here is ... well, nothing is happening. The room is empty, perfectly poised between moments of lively interaction, like a stage waiting for the actors. The mood is one of quiet, organized readiness, bordering on slightly clinical, rescued only by the promise held within the strategically placed "NEW BOOKS" sign on the cart in the foreground. The background offers a glimpse of the outside world through large windows, where people are actually moving and possibly enjoying sunlight – a stark contrast to the orderly void within.

From a technical standpoint, the composition is straightforward and functional, capturing the depth of the room with a wide-angle view. The repetitive pattern of the tables and chairs creates a strong sense of structure, although the book cart in the foreground feels a little awkwardly placed, slightly off-center and cutting into the frame. The lighting is a practical mix of overhead fluorescents and natural light from the windows, providing even illumination without dramatic shadows or highlights – ideal for documenting the space, less so for creating visual intrigue. The color palette is dominated by utilitarian blues and greys, giving it a modern but rather cool feel. It's a competent shot for its purpose, but one might suggest experimenting with a different angle to break up the repetition or perhaps waiting for the room to be in use to inject some life (and messy reality) into the scene. Also, those wheeled chairs? Clearly designed for impromptu dance-offs or daring escapes from pop quizzes.

The layout of the Union Ave. campus provides new opportunities for teachers and students alike. For instance, the science classrooms are all located on the ground floor and contain interior hallway doors as well as exterior doors. Morgensen feels that the design of her classroom contributes to her students’ learning experience. The new campus, which will open for classes on Monday, Aug. 23, contains many different areas where people can spend time together. After more than a year of remote learning, these spaces provide opportunities for the students to share in-person interactions.

Queue and Consequences
Rating: 6/10

Well, hello there, vibrant pink distraction! This scene captures a sun-drenched moment of human congregation, likely awaiting some culinary delight from the vendor cart bravely battling the midday sun. The subject itself – people queuing – isn't exactly edge-of-your-seat drama (hence the humble 6/10 subject rating), but the setting adds some charm. We've got the crisp white building standing stoic against the blue sky, framed by lovely trees, while the foreground is dominated by aggressive, graphic shadows that turn the ground into a cubist painting. The mood is decidedly casual and bright, the kind of day where you just... *are*, waiting for your turn. You can almost hear the quiet murmur of conversation and the hopeful rumbling of stomachs, punctuated by the silent scream of that pink bag demanding attention.

From a photographer's perspective, this shot offers a mixed bag – much like the one demanding attention in the lower left corner. The lighting is classic high-noon harshness, creating those deep, graphic shadows from what looks like a pergola structure, but it also flattens the building's texture a bit. The composition feels a little accidental; that bright pink bag is a visual siren call pulling the eye away from the main action, while the pillar on the right crops the scene awkwardly, acting like an impatient photobomber. The color palette is otherwise quite natural and pleasant – earthy tones of the brick pillar and ground, the cool white of the building, the greens of the trees – making the pink bag's saturation truly pop, perhaps unintentionally. It feels like a quick snapshot intended to capture a moment rather than a carefully planned composition, a candid slice of life where the unexpected foreground guest just happened to crash the party, leaving the composition guru weeping softly.

Inspirational Quote Overload - Kindness Edition

Rating: 6/10

Well, isn't this just a wall of sunshine and good vibes? We're looking at a classic cork bulletin board, absolutely plastered with inspirational quotes, mostly centered around the theme of kindness. It's the kind of display you'd expect in a classroom or perhaps an office breakroom desperately trying to boost morale with laminated wisdom. The mood is overwhelmingly positive, aiming to uplift and encourage good deeds. From a photography standpoint, the composition is straightforward and centered, presenting the board head-on. The lighting is rather flat and even, which is practical for capturing the text without harsh shadows, but doesn't add much visual flair. It feels less like an artistic shot and more like a documentation photo – "Exhibit A: Required Kindness Display."

The details are where the personality, or lack thereof, shines through. The subject matter is clear: quotes about kindness, courage, success, and generally being a decent human, attributed to a mix of sources from Winnie the Pooh to Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift. Each quote is printed on a simple white card with a minimalist design featuring abstract green, yellow, and gray circles – adding a touch of color to the otherwise beige board. The border of multi-colored handprints on the left adds a splash of vibrancy and hints at a connection to a younger audience or a community project. While the message is admirable, the sheer volume of quotes and the uniform presentation make it feel a bit... relentless. It's a photographic representation of being hit over the head with positivity, nicely pinned with visible thumbtacks against the textured cork background, all set against a plain wall.

Classroom Alchemy

Rating: 7/10

Step right into the hallowed halls of... well, a modern science classroom! Our subject today is this surprisingly pristine learning environment, captured in a moment of quiet repose, perhaps between explosive experiments or philosophical debates about the periodic table. What's happening? Primarily, not much, save for a diligent soul tucked away at a computer in the far background, bathed in the glorious light of a large window, likely pondering the mysteries of grading or lesson planning. The mood is distinctly academic yet peaceful, a calm before or after the storm of student inquiry, punctuated only by the watchful, albeit hollow, gaze of a skeleton torso in the extreme foreground right, patriotically adorned with what appear to be festive molecular decorations. The scene is a blend of functional furniture – lab desks with stools, a whiteboard yearning for equations, rolling cabinets hiding unknown treasures, and even some strategically stacked folding chairs – all set against a backdrop of bright windows revealing lush greenery outside, hinting at a world beyond beakers and Bunsen burners.

From a photographic perspective, this shot gives us a fly-on-the-wall view, feeling more like a casual snapshot than a meticulously planned composition. The lighting is a classic classroom blend: the harsh efficiency of overhead fluorescents competing with the softer, directional light streaming in from the large windows, creating some pleasing reflections on the glossy floor but also blowing out the detail in the brightest areas outside. Compositionally, the rolling cabinet in the foreground anchors the left side, while the rather festive skeleton torso on the right serves as an unexpected, slightly blurry, but undeniably eye-catching entry point into the scene, drawing the eye inward towards the receding rows of desks and the light-filled background. The colors are primarily muted and functional – wood tones, greys, whites – allowing the pops of color from the whiteboard decorations and the skeleton's molecular bling to stand out. It captures the essence of a working classroom, functional and ready, perhaps just waiting for the next wave of scientific discovery... or at least the next bell.

Midday Munchies Queue

Subject Rating: 6/10

Here we have a quintessential sunny-day snapshot capturing the timeless tradition of waiting in line, presumably for snacks or sustenance. The main subject is less the structure itself, and more the collective human endeavor of queuing under a bright sky. People are patiently (or maybe not-so-patiently, it's hard to tell from the stance!) forming a line alongside a building, under the shade of a large white pergola that casts strong, graphic shadows across the walkway. The mood is casual and a bit mundane, highlighting a moment of pause during what appears to be a busy day out, perhaps at a park or a similar venue with outdoor amenities. Pertinent objects include the green picnic tables inviting weary snackers, the large dark green trash bins standing stoically by, and the focal point of desire – a food stand advertising "Pretzel Dog Sliders" and "Garlic & Parmesan Mini Pretzel Bites". The background features a cheerful blue sky meeting a line of full, leafy trees providing a natural contrast to the built environment.

From a photographer's perspective, this image feels like an honest, unposed moment captured quickly. The composition places the building and pergola prominently, leading the eye along the structure and the queue beneath it. However, the bright midday sun is a harsh mistress, creating intense shadows that are both graphic (on the walkway) and problematic (on the people). The white building is on the verge of being blown out, while the shaded areas retain more detail. The color palette is dominated by the natural greens and blues, offset by the stark white of the building and the dark tones of the paved path and bins, giving it a realistic, slightly contrasty feel. There's not much stylistic flourish here; it's a documentary approach to a simple scene. One might critique the framing slightly, perhaps wishing for a different angle to mitigate the harsh light or add more dynamic interest, but sometimes capturing the moment as it is, even under challenging conditions, tells its own story – in this case, the universal experience of the snack line, complete with hopeful anticipation and the silent judgment of whether those pretzel bites are truly worth the wait.

Event Appetizer Display

Rating: 6/10

This shot captures a spread of appetizers laid out on small, disposable plates, giving off a definite event vibe. The subject, a variety of spring rolls and what appear to be stuffed endive leaves, is functional but not particularly glamorous under the harsh lighting. A bright pink sign featuring a cartoon flower and the visible text "DE" dominates the left foreground, almost stealing the show from the food itself. The composition feels a bit rushed, taken from a slightly elevated angle that attempts to show the rows of plates but gets slightly interrupted by the prominent sign and doesn't quite settle on a clear focus. It's less a curated food photograph and more a candid snapshot of a serving table, which contributes to the informal and slightly chaotic mood.

The lighting is the primary photographic challenge here; direct sunlight casts strong shadows and highlights, making the food look a bit flat and losing some of its delicate textures. While it adds contrast to the background pavement, it's not ideal for showcasing the subtle colors and details of the appetizers. The variety of little rolls and leaves on their tiny wooden rafts is visually interesting, but the overall presentation feels practical rather than artistic. Objects like the stacked paper goods and bottle in the background further reinforce the event setting. This image serves as a record of the offerings rather than a stunning piece of food photography, proving that even delicious snacks need softer light and a clearer composition to truly shine in front of the camera.

The design of the Union Ave. location also creates a different atmosphere, with spacious classrooms that have colorful doors and high ceilings. Assistant Middle School Division Head Patricia Burrows, who has been part of the Harker community since the opening of the Blackford Ave. campus in 2005, reflects on the moving process to the new campus so far.