The hallways are buzzing once again, but this year at South Lakes High School, the familiar back-to-school energy is mixed with more conversations about the new policies. From phones to parking, the experience at South Lakes has undergone a significant shift.
The biggest change so far has been the strict new phone policy which prohibits cell phone use throughout the entire school day, other than lunch, but only in the lunch room. This comes after a move by a statewide decision to ban cell phones at schools in Virginia. Opinions seem to vary between teachers and students.
Ms. Keisler, an English teacher, applauds the change noting that “it’s nice to see students walking in without their phones. There’s more friendly and positive student interaction.”
However, students like Senior Jennifer Zuniga-Maldonado understand the reasoning and where it came from, but feel that “they are doing too much.”
Mia Terry, a Senior, argues that “the more you take it away, the more people want it. We should be responsible for ourselves, and this does not prepare us for other situations later in life.”
Another major adjustment this year is the new weapon detection system which is mainly criticized for its negative impact on the students’ timeliness. Students and teachers have reported long lines and especially frustrating detours.
“I have noticed some students coming in later due to the detour,” noted Ms. Keisler. With a two minute tardy becoming a ten minute tardy, this leads to class time being lost and learning being disrupted.
Students like Zuniga understand that the system is needed, but believes something must be done about the extra time it takes. She suggested opening more doors for students and getting rid of the detours as a practical improvement for this specific issue.
Senior Rose Alnefisah, who is new to South Lakes, also agrees that the metal detectors “take too much time” and as a result they should try hiring more security officers or try to find a quicker way.
The switch of the teacher and student parking lots have transformed the parking lots into a “free-for-all” system which has created some mixed feelings. Some teachers like the switch and believe it was needed, but some do not like the chaos that comes with the narrow road being shared with the kiss-n-ride drivers and the lack of reserved spots.
Some Juniors and Seniors have shared their opinions about the parking lot situation as well and feel that they have been given the smaller parking lot and a significant increase of congestion has caused a stressful start and end to the day for many of them.
Not all changes have been met with total disagreement. The new advisory schedule has been a pleasant surprise for many, including Ms. Keisler.
“I love it! I really enjoy seeing my advisory students more often and I like the fact that they grouped Seahawk Seminar (SS) six and seven together which makes the full rotation quicker,” she said.
As a Senior in high school, Kaymar Aung-Kin welcomes the change as she believes that “the consistency of advisory will be great for senior year as I can focus on my work.”
As the first few weeks of school unfold, the student body is adjusting accordingly with these changes. While it is unclear what has exactly sparked some of these new changes, there seems to be an agreement for more efficiency and consistency.
