Early Birds Get Locked Out

Oluchi Ejiogu-Ebere, Writer

North Kingstown High School’s schedule allows students to be dropped off early; however, they’re not allowed into the school before the first bell rings unless it is raining or freezing. Parents and students feel that letting the students in before 7am is not only beneficial to them but also keeps them from being disruptive. 

Vice Principal Eric Anderson believes in creating a safer environment for students. Mr. Anderson likes working and helping students, giving them a helping hand. Part of his morning routine at the high school is to help direct the morning traffic and make it safe for students to cross the street. He mentioned that having students in one area such as the cafeteria wasn’t really the safest thing, because they didn’t have enough supervision. Teachers don’t start their day until 7 am and at the time ALL students are allowed to come in, they have 15 minutes to talk to friends and be ready for the school day. 

Mr. Ebere who drops his daughter off early in the morning, said that they don’t seem to understand why that rule is in place. Mr. Ebere comments that “it’s a safety and health risk for their child”, he thinks that if the teachers and staff are inside it should be safe enough for students to be inside. Parents who have to work early have no choice but to drop their kids off before the school day officially starts, and having their child wait outside or in the car isn’t really helpful. They might as well drop them off at 7am. Another parent believes that dropping their daughter off at school early gives her the chance to prepare for a test or other work that she might not have understood from the days before. Sadly, standing outside doesn’t really help that. 

All in all, the faculty at school, such as Mr. Anderson, are trying to create a safe and comfortable place for students. Something he would like to change at the school, to help fix this problem, is giving the upperclassmen more parking space. He likes the fact all bus doors open at the same time for students, giving them the chance to socialize and prepare for the day.