Open Campus

<p>Ok heres the issue: Our school has a board meeting on Monday to decide for the first time in our school's history to shut down open campus for juniors. I am currently a sophomore and the ruling will go into power next year, so obviously my grade would be the first students ever at our school to not have open campus(the seniors will still have Open campus, the issue only pertains to juniors). A few other schools have shut down open campus and our school is being influenced by them. Here are some of our arguments: 1. Our school does not have the facilities to accommodate the entire school at once(it is a very small school on long island) Especially the cafeteria- we are already experiencing food shortages if juniors dont have OC there will be no room in the cafeteria and believe it or not there wont be enough food at one time. 2- Junior year is one of the most if not the most stressful years of high school, OC is a way to relax and cool off. 3- The school should set up a committee to develop the process instead of taking rash decisions(this could help delay the problem until next year-selfish i know)-plus we would be only a year younger than the seniors who would still have OC</p>

<p>you guys can discuss this freely. I would like to see what you guys think. I respect both views fully. If you have any questions just ask. Tell me how important OC is to you (if you have it). Lets Debate!</p>

<p>i'm assuming by "open campus" you mean the ability for students to have off campus lunch. "open campus" has a little different meaning at my school, but we do have off campus lunch. that yould just pretty much suck if they were to take away this, its a great opportunity for kids to start phasing into the adult-stage of their lives. Plus its great for practical purposes.</p>

<p>yes off campus=open campus</p>

<p>i do agree, when we were in 8th grade we visited the high school and they(administration) kept on reminding us that our school gives us a lot of responsibility and the most freedom.It seems ironic that in recent years they are becoming a lot more restrictive</p>

<p>bump 10 chars</p>

<p>Is this open campus for only lunch periods or for the entire day?</p>

<p>Pros: Less stress, students aren't 'trapped' in school, teaches students responsibility, more/healthier lunch options, allows students to go home if necessary, less crowded halls, more social opportunities.</p>

<p>Cons: School is liable for the student's safety during school hours, promotes drug use, less concentration when in class, real life dangers (car accidents, molesters), more tardies.</p>

<p>The biggest reason why schools have trouble implementing an open campus policy is because of their liability for the student's safety. But clearly, the pros are greater than the cons. Open campus policy teaches students responsibility, which many high school students lack.</p>

<p>We had our open campus closed years ago because people would just leave, get high, and come back. </p>

<p>Personally I am against open campuses because it's too risky. But then again, most campuses wouldn't have up to 3,000 kids coming and going at once.</p>

<p>My school has an open campus and I think it's wonderful. We're in the middle of NYC so there are plenty of dining options, etc.</p>

<p>Are there some students who use this freedom for substance abuse? Yes. Are they the majority? Not at all.</p>

<p>However, if that's different at your school, if substance abuse or violence really is a big threat, then I can understand their hesitation.</p>

<p>No, the biggest risk at my school is tardies now. It takes literally 20 minutes at least to get out of and into the parking lot. We simply don't have enough time at lunch for open campus.</p>

<p>so far in our school open campus is allotted for all free periods(lunch included)-if you dont have class you can leave -but you must be back before your next class.Also parental permission is required for students to have open campus privileges</p>

<p>/\
Tardiness is a big factor. Our school is in an upper middle class low upper class neighborhood. There aren't many dining locations close by, so many students often return to school late, sometimes deliberately, regardless the teachers and administers get very annoyed by this. Our school is very safe-however there is a drug problem-too many kids with high disposable income(I honestly think every high school has a drug problem but whateva)
So i think there is some fear of kids going out and getting high</p>

<p>thanks for responding guys and gals!</p>