Opinion
Times they are a changin' for the better
Audrey Hasse
May 21, 2008 - 11:54:25 AM

With this school year coming to a close, students’ minds are flooding with good memories from the year, along with the things they wish were different. Many unreasonable concepts come to mind, but there are a few lingering ideas that have potential to be pursued.

First of all, lunch time is by far the optimal hour of the school day, but it seems high lunch prices are draining students’ accounts and spirits. Students’ faces show disbelief when a lunch lady explains to them they are once again in the hole, exclaiming things such as "I just put in money!" One week your account has $40, the next week, none. It’s as if money is disappearing in thin air. The aim for a healthier lunch should also be coupled with maintaining a healthier pocketbook. More affordable lunch prices for next year would be greatly appreciated by the student body.

The health plan that was created for this year was an attempt to create healthier eating habits for students, but why are students still being seen with a plate of fries, cookies, pizza and chocolate milk for lunch? Although there are healthy options available, students are opting for junk food, as expected.

Secondly, despite many attempts to make Webgrade access easier, the online grading system is still not as simple as most would like. This year, many students didn’t even know where to start when trying to view grades online. Many of those same students can navigate social networking sites, such as Facebook with ease, so it’s not as if they are technically challenged. In hopes for next year, keeping up with grades should be an easier task for students and teachers.

Next, It’s been an issue since everyone’s freshman year: passing time. Five minutes just doesn’t seem to cut it for most students. Whether one’s coming from the 300s building or just needing a break after a grueling class, the short time period between classes isn’t enough time. Believe it or not, most people prefer walking to class rather than running.

Speaking of passing time, this year’s hall sweeps, where a student receives a detention if in the halls after the bell rings, were anything but effective. Students either didn’t know when one was taking place, or were told when, and got to class on time for just that one period. If hall sweeps are expected to continue next year, they should take place randomly so students will be encouraged to get to class on time every time.

Finally, According to Stanford University, the average American adolescent gets, at the most, 6.5 hours of sleep. What they actually need is 9 hours and 15 minutes of sleep each night, and with most students stumbling out of bed at 6:30 a.m., it’s clear they aren’t getting enough. 6.5 hours on average doesn’t complement a 7:35 a.m. school starting time. Even with a later afternoon dismissal, it’s likely students would appreciate even 30 minutes more of beauty sleep.

Each year will have it’s changes, but the bottom line is: make the ones that matter.