Burroughs plans to enforce a closed campus policy

Due to teacher complaints and tardies piling up, Burroughs administration will be establishing a closed campus during lunch starting next year.

On March 27, a small class of freshman math students were late to their sixth period class. Curious as to what had happened, Math teacher Gio Matri asked what was going on. Every student gave the same explanation: they had just returned to campus from lunch.

Matri was not the only teacher who experienced excessive tardies during 6th period. Biology teacher Gene Splicer, English teacher Paige Turner, and History teacher Dustin Tyme have expressed concerns with sixth period tardies. As a result, the closed campus policy will be adopted next year.

“This new policy hopes to keep students from missing important instructional time,” said Principal April Fuuls. “Lunch break is important, but it can happen without needing to leave campus.”

Starting next year, when student drivers apply for parking passes, only students with a free sixthperiod will be given a parking pass that indicates they can leave campus during lunch. Students getting picked up at lunch for a doctor’s appointment or otherwise will need to check-in through the office for a temporary pass.

“My classroom and many others are open during lunch,” said Health teacher Bea Well. She acknowledges the importance of breaks while speaking to the importance of this policy. “Students can still have a meaningful break and be to their sixth period class on time,” commented Well.

With this new policy, the goal is for students to be on track throughout the school day. The static environment from staying on campus offers consistency that sets students up for success. Some individuals, however, believe this policy may result in different outcomes.

“As long as you are responsible, I think lunch break can be helpful,” said junior Madge Soto. “Going off-campus does not detract from focus, it allows time to recharge.

Other students have more familial concerns. “Oftentimes I use the open campus to meet with my sister who I rarely see otherwise,” said senior Alyssa Frey. “The break is short, but for some it can mean a lot.

More updates will come soon as Burroughs’ administration announces how they will enforce this new policy.