When visualizing their final year at RCHS, one of the topics that comes to mind for students is senior privileges. These privileges can be rewarding for seniors since they have survived their first three years of high school and have finally made it to their last year.
Eating lunch in the courtyard used to be a standard senior privilege, and was a senior highlight for many years. This area provided a safe place for seniors to get work done, have some fresh air during busy days, and eat lunch in a more private and quiet location.
After upperclassman headed to the courtyard on the first day of school to eat lunch, they were disappointed when they realized the doors were locked. What they had anticipated and looked forward to for years was taken away.
Although underclassmen were never allowed to eat lunch in the courtyard because it was a senior privilege, they could go during other class periods with permission from teachers. So, finding out the doors were locked affected them too. They realized they wouldn’t have this space for many of their class periods and that they wouldn’t be able to eat lunch there when they became seniors either.
Many students were confused by this sudden change and were given no warning or logical explanation. When questioning administration about the change, students were informed that a lack of supervision was the problem. Although we understand the concern that students can’t be alone, we can’t figure out why supervision cannot be provided.
During the first several weeks of this school year, we have noticed supervision for three out of the four bathrooms for seven periods a day. Adding one more teacher to the list could help them supervise the courtyard and bathrooms all at once. Students could have a place to breathe during busy days and with this solution, faculty and administration could also have peace of mind that students are behaving.
We think unlocking the courtyard doors would improve the emotions and spirit of students. Without this area available, we are left with few options. With some simple solutions, a safe space can be returned so students can eat, relax, study, or complete assignments.
