Sparta Seniors Biggest Debate: "Should I Stay or Should I Go?" (A Look Into Open Campus Lunch)

           If you're a senior, you know all about it and most likely, even have a routine down: you know exactly what route to take from your period 4 class to sign out quickly, where you'll be heading once you're out, and who you're carpooling with (if said car-poolers are slow, you will leave without them).

          This is the second year with the implementation of open campus lunch. In spring 2015, Sparta High had an issue with the seating arrangement during lunch. Then-principal Dr.Johnson sought to solve this, as it would become a safety and health issue especially in an emergency situation. Dr.Johnson proposed the addition of tables into the auxiliary gym and additional lunch periods for the 2015-2016 school year. There was no method or guarantee of what period lunch a student would receive, they simply would be randomly assigned; this upset a majority of the student body. For that reason, Sean Schoch, who would be the senior Executive President of the student body (via student council) took action. Meeting with Dr.Johnson repetitively and attending Board of Education meetings in May and June, Schoch listened to concerns and proposed the solution: open campus lunch as we currently have it. The issue with lunch being spanned out over three periods was not the fear of not sitting with ones friends, rather, it included conflict that would be bound to arise, such as clubs that usually met during lunch and academic assistance with teachers. The solution of allowing seniors to leave was brilliant; seats in the cafeteria would be freed, thus relieving the main concern of the administration - in the 2014-2015 school year, many students ate lunch in empty hallways near the cafeteria.
          Following its premier year, open campus is still going strong. Senior Elizabeth DeFelice said, "I think open campus has been going great. If anything, the only downside would be the gas money for us broke seniors. Overall I love getting that fifty minute break- it helps me function through the rest of the day!" and when asked about the anticipation, junior Jimmy Apostolico said, "I'm excited for open campus because I like fast food restaurants ."
          To be eligible for open campus, seniors must be in good behavioral standing and must maintain a 2.0 GPA and limit their tardies and detentions. Will seniors be able to uphold this responsibility?