As years have gone by, students have requested to leave campus during lunchtime. However, this year seniors have the privilege to enjoy their lunch outside. Although they cannot leave campus, this is a change of scenery and something new for students.
Starting this school year, Mr. Flanagan came up with a new idea for seniors to be granted access to the cafeteria courtyard during lunch. Seniors can request a smartpass from security guards and then they will be permitted to go to there for lunchtime. However, there are only
forty seats at the moment, so it is first come, first served.
The courtyard is located directly across from Mrs. Herron’s classroom in room 119. The tables can be easily found by walking out either of the cafeteria doors near Mr. Eicheldinger’s room and continuing down the hallway. The door is right on the left with an emergency exit sign on top of it.
This is a new senior privilege that has never been put in place before. Mr. Flanagan introduced the idea at the beginning of the year to the Student Council, so students have been aware of it for some time now. There was fundraising money left over from last year for student improvement, so the Student Council pledged to use it towards these tables.
Mr. Flanagan told the WSJ that he wants “around 2-3 more tables, depending on funds and space.” He plans to continue developing the courtyard, hoping to purchase umbrellas with the Upper Perk logo for especially sunny days. Additionally, an idea such as adding yard games to the courtyard like cornhole and CanJam could make the space more enticing.
Since then, Mr. Flanagan has worked with student programs and student council to acquire the picnic tables and get them set up outside for usage. There are five picnic tables that can each seat up to eight people. This will be a new experience for students, as there has never been an opportunity to go outside during lunchtime.
As this new addition to senior privilege unfolds students are finally able to see Mr. Flanagan’s vision for this previously abandoned space, come to life.
