This year, Berkley High has implemented a new rule and locked the Sunnyknoll senior doors during lunch. This has caused frustration to arise from seniors and juniors, those who most often use the doors. Many students have argued that this is an unreasonable rule, while many teachers argue that it’s better for the school’s safety.
From the students’ point of view, the senior doors have always been a huge help in many ways. For years, they have allowed students to avoid more tardies, and overall it has been more convenient for students to enter through. It is favorable and convenient because the student parking lot is closest to the senior doors, so saving them a walking trip has always been appreciated. But as of the 2024-2025 school year, the doors have been closed due to several rules.
Gretchen Stief has been injured for the past few weeks and has had to use crutches to get around the school. Stief believes that the closure of the senior doors has caused her to be late to her fifth hour numerous times. “I’m not a fan of the doors being closed off during lunch because it’s not only annoying for me but for the other students,” Stief shared. “They have to take the longer route, and it has negatively affected them. And it’s also tiring for the people on crutches like me and Sophie Novell-Regester.”
While some students may be frustrated with the new rule, Mr. Meloche cites safety concerns as the main reason for implementing this new policy.
“I feel as if the doors being closed during lunch is reasonable and best for our school,” Mr. Meloche says, “It creates better safety for the students, and that’s what we strive for at Berkley High. During lunch, many students would open the doors to strangers and would open the doors for an unnecessary reason behind it.”
From the administrator’s perspective, the rule in place was only ever about safety and keeping everyone in the building safe. In addition, Mr. Meloche has announced that the bond passed last year will allow new devices such as “buzz-ins” at the senior doors, so students can use them at a safe distance.
Ending with our teachers, Mr.Skoworonski shares the effect the new policy has had on his teaching. “I haven’t had any problems with any students so far this year with tardiness, after lunch.” He says. “So I feel as if the new policy (keeping the senior doors closed) isn’t affecting the teachers negatively, so why change it if it keeps the people in the building safer and more secure?”
