During the forum discussion which took place on December 4th, staff and students discussed the open campus question. It was decided that students coming back to school after lunch “would lead to more truancy and tardiness to class.”

Many students love the idea of an open campus. Going home to have lunch, taking a half hour nap or even getting away from school for a little bit would be nice.  But unfortunately, that privilege doesn’t apply today, although it used to in 1997.

Frank Dalton, a neighbor of the school, said in 1990,“Last time an open campus was in effect, 100 students were in my yard smoking marijuana.” Open campus resulted in tardiness, skipping classes and lunches and businesses getting flustered by students for loitering on their property, according to the school newspaper of November 30,1990.

We have a closed campus for many safety reasons. We have the protection of teachers and school officials along with the safe feeling of being welcomed in our environment. Junior Alex Bradbury said, “I would rather have a closed campus so I can catch up with friends and finish assignments during lunch.” It’s  a time to relax between the class periods and enjoy snacks from the cafeteria and the Cougar Den.

However, not everyone agrees with Bradbury. A class vote was taken in Stained Glass teacher Jim Washington’s class. They were asked if they preferred an open campus and just about everybody raised their hands. Sophomore Dominic Telemaque said, “If I could leave campus, I’d go to Subway!”