Lockers seem to be a source of controversy at OPHS. Some use students use lockers constantly, and some let dust collect in theirs. In the third-floor science wing, there is a bay of lockers that stands untouched. Few lockers have locks, as most were sealed shut by the school after weeks without being claimed at the start of the year. The use of those lockers in that bay varies every year; however, the majority are just viewed as a waste of space. Many students feel that replacing the locker bay with a lounge area would be more beneficial. Could the maze of dusty lockers become a productive space for students? Students share their opinions on this possible renovation and how it would affect the school:
Sophomores Brianna Moore and Lillian Elliot discuss why they believe change is necessary for student life:
B.M: They need to knock down all the lockers in the science wing, because people don’t use them and they’re always locked up. They should add couches, tables, little rugs, and some lamps, like in the high school movies.
L.E: I think that it can help students wind down and take a little bit of stress off because the library has a lot of people, so it can get really loud; the lounge area would be a better environment for things like getting denser assignments done.
Sophomore Leighten Nowakowski agrees with the possibility, explaining that a lounge area would be fun with different decor, like “cute lighting, maybe LED’s.”
Although this idea would be beneficial for quiet work, there is a possibility of students abusing the freedom given by this space. Elliot explains that if we did create a lounge area, there should be a system in place to keep the environment respected:
L.E: I think everyone deserves a first chance, but after that first chance, I think they could remove [student] access to [a lounge] instead of just saying no right away. So that way, it would keep quiet, so kids can wind down but also get work done. Anyone who is banned from the library shouldn’t be able to go because it shows that you aren’t responsible enough to be in a space that isn’t super monitored.
The possibility of the locker bay knockdown could expand the school, while also testing the students for responsibility and cooperation. Some argue that since the new area would be similar to the library, those who have proven not to be responsible enough would be restricted from the area, so the area will be preserved for students who can show maturity and respect for the space. There are still many underlying factors that contribute to making such a change. Do you think this idea could change our school for the better or for the worse?
