Do You Trust An Open Campus?
We cannot become an open campus, not now, not ever
Many students at CK ask for an open campus. Do they realize the consequences?
October 3, 2017
Every year, the announcements always have the same message.
“CK is a closed campus,” a warbled voice warns.
People snicker, wondering who got in trouble this year, or they simply ignore the warning. No one takes it seriously.
What students don’t understand is that it is not safe to have an open campus. Not now, and not any time in the foreseeable future. Teenagers do not have the maturity to handle an open campus, or all of the consequences of having one.
“Having to trust so many students, that I hear talk about drugs off and on,” one student warned, is not a good thing. They already have drugs in their cars and backpacks! Imagine the troubles if they could go and get it whenever they wanted.
The student also pointed out that there was no reason to leave school grounds.
A good number of teachers do have food they are willing to give to students who can’t palate the lunch food, and the office has many emergency “supplies” on hand [i.e. menstruation products and bandages].
Russell Schuchart, one of CK’s many wonderful teachers, had a more optimistic view, but he also agreed that there were drawbacks to having an open campus.
Schuchart pointed out that CKHS is the only school in the district that is within walking distance of places to eat. If one school implements an open campus, that gives other schools in the district the right to open up their campus as well. If they do so, then it will be the students who have cars that are able to take advantage of the policy, very few others.
A socio-economic divide will create itself in the district!
No one can win a race against a clock
Parents also raise valid points against open campus.
One parent said, “[the] tight schedule of classes do not allow for open campus.”
Even colleges have cafeterias, because if a person arrives late to class, they disrupt the learning environment.
CKHS does not need an open campus. It invites nothing but trouble and disaster. Any benefits that could be had do not outweigh the dangers.
Not today, Taco Bell
Your donation will support the student journalists of Central Kitsap High School and help us cover our annual website hosting costs.
Victoria Steffee originally started taking the Journalism class to receive CTE credit when the class still counted for it. She grew to enjoy the class...
