By Lux Sheplee, Staff Writer
An ongoing issue that River Hill High School experiences is the fight for spots in the student and staff parking lot. Certain parking spots have yellow lines, indicating that they are meant for teachers only. Parking spots with white lines are meant for the students. The spaces meant for teachers are located closer to the school than the ones meant for students, but an increasing number of teachers have been taking up the back spaces.
The reasons for this issue vary. Physical Education teacher Marni Rosenbaum explains, “I emphasize the importance of physical education and movement in my curriculum, and it is important for me to practice what I teach. I have decided to start taking students’ spots in the back of the parking lot in order to give myself the longest walk possible.”
When Mrs. Rosenbaum promotes long walks, she is making students’ walks shorter as a result. This can have detrimental effects on students’ health. Students are having to walk only 100 feet as opposed to the usual 300 feet each morning and afternoon, which will lead to increased health problems in River Hill students’ futures.
Other teachers explain that they want to endure the cold for longer. “I miss living in Buffalo, so to build up my tolerance, I would like to be exposed to the cold for longer periods of time,” says Mr. Tromble, who teaches AP English, journalism, and yearbook. Building up his immune system and promoting survival strategies, Mr. Tromble hopes to condition his body to the cold in preparation for any long lasting chilly disasters.
Special Education teacher Mr. Saglimbeni describes a final reason for this outrage. “I’ve noticed that the time it takes to walk from my car to the school is too short,” he explained. “I arrived to class too early and slowing down my pace didn’t work, so parking in students’ spots was my last option.”
The effects this change has on students is adverse. Junior Teni Adejana exclaims, “I am not able to feel cold. I get into the building too quickly where warm air is abundant, and I don’t have to adjust to a new environment.” Students are becoming accustomed to comfort, and no longer have to adapt to new things.
Furthermore, sophomore Zoe Pachoca describes, “driving closer to the school causes my brother to use more gas.” Gas is expensive, and teachers are causing students to pay higher prices by taking students’ spots. This not only causes a strain on students’ bank accounts, but can also cause unnecessary stress.
The conflict in the student and staff parking lot is a very pressing issue for River Hill High School. Because of increased numbers of teachers parking in the back of the lot, students are losing the benefits that come with their designated spaces. This scheme needs to be put to a stop. The physical and mental health of students depends on a resolution to this issue. Any possible solutions to this problem will be greatly appreciated and highly valued by the student government at River Hill.