Limiting lunchtime passes to seniors only makes sense at OPHS

off-campus privileges during lunchtime to seniors only.

If passed, the new policy would go into effect next September.

The situation is dangerous, according to the principal. It’s easy to imagine a madhouse in the OPHS parking lot when school breaks for lunch as stressed-out high school students all try to depart at the same time.

When too many motorists try to leave the same parking lot simultaneously, it’s always a risky situation. Add to the equation that many of the drivers are inexperienced and that they’re tardy if they don’t return on time, and you have a recipe for road rage, fender benders or worse.

The school already requires parental permission for any student to depart the campus during lunch break.

The problem at Oak Park and several other local high schools is that there isn’t a choice of restaurants within a short walk. If they can’t stroll to dining establishments, teenagers end up in vehicles—all trying to leave at nearly the same time.

Young people should be reminded that it’s a privilege to leave school grounds during lunchtime. Perhaps it should be tied to citizenship and a reasonable grade point average. Maybe it already is.

We encourage Oak Park High School to provide—as promised—better food choices that can be served quickly and efficiently on campus.

Kids have always wanted to leave or go home for lunch because of notoriously bad cafeterias.

Can you remember "mystery meat"? Was it beef, chicken or pork? Nobody knew except the cafeteria director—and she wasn’t talking.

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