The school has implemented a new lunch policy requiring all high school students to either eat lunch in the gym or leave campus during the lunch period.

Senior Addyson Jones said she does not mind the change. “I don’t mind the new rule,” Jones said. “Our options are limited now, but since I don’t sit in the hallway anymore, I get to eat lunch in the same place as most of my friends.” Administrators said the policy was put in place to improve safety, supervision and cleanliness during lunch.

“Before, students were allowed anywhere in the building, and being able to supervise that was nearly impossible,” Principal Ellis said. “We had students eating lunch in all parts of the junior high and high school.” Ellis added that the lack of centralized lunch areas caused cleanliness issues as well. “Sometimes food and trash were left behind, and things were being spilled,” Ellis said. “Having all students eat either in the gym, cafeteria or outside allows us to keep our school safe and clean while also being able to supervise students in one area. I am pleased with how it has gone so far and think it has helped.”

However, not all students are satisfied with the change. Senior Iris Carpenter said the new policy makes it difficult to get to class on time after lunch. “I wish we had more time to stop by our lockers before going to class,” Carpenter said. “When there are that many kids in the halls, it’s a struggle to get to class on time, especially for students in ag classes. It’s really difficult to make it there on time.”