A new requirement for all student drivers in the 2016-17 school year is a formally assigned parking space.

    Students are allowed to pick their assigned place when they purchase their parking permits, but are then required to park in that place for the rest of the school year.                                                                                                                   

    When asked why parking spots are being assigned to students, principal Michael Aurin responded, “We have a responsibility to ensure that we are accountable for all students that drive onto school property. The assigning of spots will allow us to better monitor the lot and ensure that all vehicles are identified and students are safe. This also provides us the ability to diagnose any issues and address specific lot concerns with individual drivers.”

   Senior Kristen Beachy said, “The parking spots are really convenient because I don’t have to choose a parking spot every day, and I know that mine will always be open. Some arguments occurred last year as some people were parking in spots that they did not usually park in, but with the new passes, this can be avoided.”

    These passes have made it easier for the staff in the office to determine who has purchased a parking pass and who has not. Aurin said, “We have had a surge of registrations this fall. This not only allows us to know who is parking at school; it also serves as a school fundraiser. The money paid for parking registration goes to a dedicated account which allows for me to purchase items for the school and students throughout the year.”

    Thus far, the new parking assignments have been a success, and the staff and administration plan to handle parking permits in the same manner in the future.