While Wilde Lake High School’s cafeteria does serve student favorites such as the walking taco, spicy chicken patty wrap, or chicken patty sandwich, all students have different palates. The variety of local food vendors in the village center appeals to students, causing them to want to leave school grounds, especially during lunchtime. Having an open campus has several pros and cons that would not only impact our school, but also other schools in the Howard County Public School System.
I believe that we should have an open campus for upperclassmen. Having an open campus during lunchtime is a great way for students to not only get the nutrition they need, but also feel like they still have freedom, as long as they follow the rules. School isn’t everyone’s favorite place to be, and food is a way that people come together. An open campus allows students the autonomy to hang out with friends and grab a bite to eat.
On the other hand, students could take the opportunity for granted and be reckless or make decisions that they will regret. Having an open campus only for upperclassmen may be perceived as unfair to other grades, which could potentially cause problems or conflict among students in lower grades.
While Principal Brown believes that students should have a certain amount of freedom, he also recognizes that it is his job, as well as the job of school staff, to keep students safe and guide them in the right direction to prepare them for the future. While Mr. Brown doesn’t have the authority to allow an open campus, he was supportive of the idea for upperclassmen. He stated, “I have the power to recommend things, and there are certain things at the school level I cannot control.”
I asked him a few pressing questions: How often would you allow students off campus? How far would you allow students to go? And how would you plan an open campus day? Mr. Brown’s responses were thoughtful and direct. He believed it would be an amazing addition to the school and a great opportunity for students, but it is not something he can apply pressure to just yet. His idea for proposing an open campus was to “research other schools and school districts that have implemented open campus.” That way, we can have a clear idea of what we could improve or change.
Senior Tiffany Berry’s view on having an open campus is that it would be a great opportunity, especially since the school is located in an area with many food options. She also explained that a well-balanced meal helps her stay focused throughout classes and track practice. One of her concerns regarding an open campus is that attendance during fourth and fifth periods may decrease when students are allowed to leave campus for lunch, especially for those who have access to a vehicle and may not return to school.
To address the problems of skipping and not returning, upperclassmen could check in and check out when they leave and return back to school so they won’t be suspected of skipping or get their upperclassmen authority taken.
Junior Tavon Bonner believes that an open campus for upperclassmen would be an amazing opportunity for students. As an athlete, he explained that the food he puts into his body is very important, especially when it comes to getting the proper nutrients. One benefit Tavon pointed out is that student complaints about hunger or cafeteria menu options would decrease since students would be able to choose what they eat.
Overall, having an open campus would be a great opportunity for upperclassmen at Wilde Lake High School to choose where and what they would like to eat for lunch. It would also create a different dynamic for upperclassmen, while allowing more space in the cafeteria for underclassmen. An open campus would give students more freedom and help them gain trust from administrators and the principal, building a stronger relationship. If students continue to voice their interest in an open campus and advocate for change, the idea could eventually reach the school board for consideration.
For my own contribution to this plan I can try to influence more people about how thinking about an open campus for seniors and juniors will affect and reflect on the school.
