Every morning, whether it be rain or sunshine, students have to wait outside until 7:40 a.m. before they are allowed inside the building. Principal Darin Thompson explains why this school policy exists.

“While we are committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for our students, it is important to note that allowing entry into the building prior to 7:40 a.m. presents a significant safety concern due to limited supervision. Staff members are contracted to begin their day at 7:30 a.m., and the brief window between their arrival and student entry is essential for ensuring adequate adult presence throughout the building. Before that time, only a small number of essential personnel are on site,” Thompson said. “As principal, I would be remiss in my duty to student safety if we permitted unsupervised access to the school during that time.” 

Despite the intent behind the rule, many students are unhappy with the policy and are upset that the school won’t allow for flexibility in inclement weather. As temperatures drop in the winter and rain pours in the spring, students are frustrated because they have to stand outside because of the rule, calling it unfair and annoying.

“Me and my peers have gotten sick from the cold weather after staying outside for almost 20 minutes, in 28 degrees [Fahrenheit],” said Kaylinda Lee, a junior. 

Many students arrive as early as 7:00 a.m. because of bus schedules. With limited shelter, some students try to avoid the rain by standing under the small roof covering or using umbrellas. 

“You usually get wet because of the rain because they don’t let you in, even when it rains.” explained Nyla Willis, a sophomore.

Letting students inside earlier, especially in bad weather, is a fair and helpful change. This problem has been solved years prior, without angry students getting sick and soaked in the rain. As it gets colder and it rains, students hope the school will reconsider the rule. 

“I remember in 8-9th grade they [security] would usually let us in and wait in the lobby, but I’m not sure why they aren’t letting us in this year,” junior Kayla Spiess-Ki said. “It’s frustrating to start the day soaking wet, with bad hair because of the rain.” 

Letting students inside earlier, especially during bad weather, is a change many students hope for in the upcoming years. While safety is important, there should be a middleground where students and administration could work together to figure out the issue.