Recently, the Senior Class was given notice: no longer would student parking be permitted in the English wing parking lot. Senior parking would now be permitted solely in the senior lot.
Though there have been complaints, the class of 2013 has been compliant. Students who had formerly parked in the back lot are disgruntled with the change of parking and fear for their cars in the chaos that is the senior lot after the 8th period bell rings.
Principal Mr. Gorski and Vice Principal Mr. Strianse were happy to share information about the issue and clarify misconceptions.
First and foremost, it should be noted that students are not at fault for the change being made. No incident past or present brought about the decision. Nor have teachers requested the change in parking venue.
The core reason for the change is that never before could an entire senior class fit in the designated senior parking lot. This year’s class can. With this ability, the monitoring of cars will be easier. Additionally, juniors parking where they shouldn’t, will more likely be caught and punished for seizing a senior privilege.
Another reason is safety. In the mornings, with the chaotic bus line up and seniors trying to get into the English wing faster, the bus drivers complained about seniors passing the buses in their quick attempts to claim the spots. It was a dangerous situation.
Unexpected culprits were parents who parked by the doors of the English wing. By idling in front of the bus route, they caused traffic disruptions for the buses trying to complete their rounds. Bus drivers were losing time waiting for parents to drop off their students and waiting for the merge of cars and buses entering and exiting the back lot. If the high school buses are late, Macopin buses are late; if Macopin buses are late, elementary school buses are late. The early morning chaos was impacting more than just the high school.
The positive outcomes of this change are many. Pushing the seniors to the one lot has dramatically cleared up traffic. There are much fewer late buses running throughout the entire district. Also, with all the parking spaces now available, visitors will have much more parking (career day and alumni day). This holds especially true for sporting events, for example, the recent County Tennis Tournament that took place at the high school.
A question on everyone’s mind is, is this change permanent? Yes, all seniors from the year 2013 and on will be required to park strictly in the senior lot.
For all rebellious seniors out there wondering, “What will happen if I continue to park in the English wing?” Remember, driving to school is not a right, it is a privilege given by the school board, and because of that, it can be revoked. Boycotting the new policy will mean the loss of driving privileges.
Seniors, however, have valid concerns over spot space. Since the change, the senior lot has filled dramatically. As the year progresses, there are plenty more seniors who will gain a car and a license. What if we run out of room? What chaos will be unleashed in the senior lot? Mr. Strianse and Mr. Gorski have an answer. All seniors with late birthdays, who do not have a space in the senior lot, will be accommodated. Most likely, the solution will be that if the entire lot fills up, not a single space left, the seniors who are lacking parking will be allowed to park in the parallel spots. This applies only to seniors in good standing.
Lastly, for seniors who are taking field trips that run until after school, what will you do with your car? Are you going to leave it in the senior lot where it may need to be moved for band practice or other sporting events? Mr. Strianse and Mr. Gorski have addressed this issue as well. All staff members running field trips or sporting events, that extend after school hours, will be given a list of seniors who have parking privileges. Those seniors will be allowed to park in the English wing for that day only.
Change is never easy, especially change that seems to bring a loss. In the case of this new system, the benefits outweigh the frustration of the senior class. If any students have comments or concerns, they should see Mr. Strianse or Mr. Gorski. They are more than willing to listen to the complaint and remedy the problem.
