Many believe the subject affects how teachers decorate their classrooms, but to what extent is this claim true? Today we are going to dig into the science department to learn how they differ in classroom decoration. Prepare to enter the room of Mrs. Reyne Armbrust.

This room has the basics of any science classroom, with a periodic table and quotes that are meant to raise the morale of her students, such as, “I think I’LL just be HAPPY today.” Her classroom is also decorated with many personal items that add a lot of character to it, for example she has a photo of some planes that is signed and does not have any relation to the curriculum. This photo is important to Armbrust and it gives insight into her life outside of school.

Science is a class where students can have fun and still learn a lot of new information about the world around them. In my experience students play a lot of review games and conduct thought provoking and entertaining labs. Decorations like Armbrust’s express personality in a fun and classroom-friendly way.

“I want everyone to feel relaxed and able to be in a comfortable environment,” Armbrust said.
Armbrust is an involved teacher; she has taught for 24 years, currently chemistry and AP chemistry, and is head of the science department. Further, this is her first year as an assistant cheer coach, and she also works alongside Mr. Davis as a sponsor for SADD. She juggles all of this while keeping a personal connection with her students and colleagues by being a friendly face that someone can go to when needed.

“She’s the mom of the school,” senior Murphy Maloney said.

Armbrust has pictures up that depict the words “Mindset is everything,” which is one of her mottos. She believes that a good positive mindset allows someone to accomplish anything. This is just one of many ways she displays her personality throughout her room.

“the goldfish thinks he’s a shark,” Armbrust said. “So then he can be strong and tough like a shark even though he’s really a goldfish.”

In our last excursion, we went to the math department with Mr. King, and determined that the walls are more bare, but in a good way, and prior to that we learned that English with Ms. Hollst is bright and lively. This time, we learned science classrooms are a place where someone can expect to indulge into their curiosity and have a little bit of explorational freedom while working in an orderly and educational setting. In these rooms, students feel comfortable and are not afraid to show their true colors. Her decorations display her personality and show the close connection between Armbrust and her students.

“I feel like kids are never surprised by things,” Armbrust said. “They come in here knowing what to expect so that makes them feel comfortable.”