As the new school year begins, new rules have been implemented for students, including a no-phone policy and a restriction on underclassmen (freshmen and sophomores) from leaving campus for lunch. But how do students feel about this new rule? Do they support it?
Undoubtedly, many freshmen felt excited about entering high school and the prospect of off-campus lunch. Unfortunately, this excitement did not meet their expectations. For many underclassmen, the desire to leave campus during lunch represents a sense of freedom and independence after years of being confined in middle school. The allure of going out during lunchtime often stems from hearing upperclassmen talk about their experiences of leaving campus to eat and socialize.
Freshman Geovanni Leon shares, “I was so excited to come to high school and be able to go out for off-campus lunch. Once I got here, they told us that freshmen and sophomores can’t go out for lunch; only upperclassmen can. That was a bummer, honestly. Seeing how my brother would brag about going off campus got my curiosity up to see how that would be.”
Going out for off-campus lunch can completely transform a student’s day. Someone could be having a bad day, but stepping off campus for a lunch break allows them to recharge and return ready for their next class. More than just a food adventure, leaving campus can significantly benefit mental well-being. A change of environment can help alleviate academic pressure, reducing stress and improving focus for the remainder of the day. Whether enjoying a meal alone or catching up with friends, this break can help students feel more prepared for afternoon classes.
Senior Gracia Barajas states, “If I’m being completely honest, I think that not allowing underclassmen off-campus lunch is a good idea. I believe many of them would take advantage of the situation and either not come back for class or be really late. If I hadn’t had off-campus lunch as a freshman and sophomore, my attendance would have been so much better than it was.”
While there are benefits to leaving campus for lunch, there are also potential downsides. Staying on campus can be a practical choice for several reasons. It can save time during a busy school day, as activities and classes are close together. The convenience of grabbing a quick bite without venturing off campus can be a major advantage. Additionally, eating school food is often more budget-friendly and helps students save money while still enjoying regular meals.
In my personal opinion and experience, I believe that not allowing underclassmen to go off campus for lunch is a good policy. During my freshman and sophomore years, my attendance suffered because I would leave campus to walk around, which also caused my grades to drop. I believe keeping underclassmen on campus is a more effective strategy for promoting attendance and academic success.
