Class of 2017 eager to take its spot in the Senior Room

As the school year begins, a new senior class rises to enjoy the valued privilege of access to the senior room. However, overcrowding in the space has reduced its appeal for many seniors.

While studying or talking with friends in the senior room, privilege-holding students have access to their own vending machine, microwave, and coffee maker, as well as a traditionally quieter atmosphere.

“It provides a more laid-back atmosphere for seniors than a typical study hall or cafeteria setting, it provides a time and place for the seniors to bond as a class, and it gives the seniors a chance to customize a room to their own liking,” said Assistant Principal Brian Brookhart.

Of course, the senior room is still part of an academic environment, and students should take advantage of the chance to work together.

Spanish Teacher Gayle Lewis views use of the senior room as a valuable opportunity for students to work and talk without “teachers breathing down their necks,” adding that the granting of such senior privileges gives seniors the opportunity to build their teachers’ trust.

Although many benefits come with use of the senior room, size limits the space’s effectiveness. Unfortunately, the concentration of students in the senior room is inconsistent, leaving it nearly empty some periods and overcrowded during others.

Senior Jessica Peters, who spends fifth period lunch in the study hall, did the math and explains, “With 14 tables and, let's say, 7 people a table, that's nearly a hundred seniors at once.”

Meanwhile, her eighth period study hall consists of a mere eight seniors.

Peters expresses her appreciation for the senior room, stating, “It's really great to have a space to call ours after having to share everything as underclassmen.”

Naturally, however, with so many people in one place, “Chairs consistently clash and elbows are everywhere,” describes Peters.

According to Brookhart, one possible solution for reducing the number of students in the space consists of raising the standards for senior privileges, although he believes the seniors would not favor this alternative. Under the current system, a student can earn senior privileges on a quarter-by-quarter basis if he or she has at least a 2.75 GPA, no suspensions, less than three unexcused tardies, no unexcused absences, passing scores for all five OGTs, no Saturday schools, and no failing grades.

And, of course, when thinking of solutions, the idea of expanding the senior room by moving a load-bearing brick wall seems just a bit unrealistic.

Seeing as how the majority of senior-room overcrowding is the result of concurrent use by students eating lunch and students in study hall, one viable solution is to find another study hall space for seniors.

Lewis, who works as a lunch monitor during sixth period, suggests increased use of the library when the senior room is crowded. Passes are no longer required to use the library during lunches and study halls. Plus, the space is great for group work, since it is no longer a quiet zone and has been furnished with comfy chairs.