Ali+E's+Essay

Alison Elliott Senior Parking  Since the new High School was built in 2001, one issue that has yet to be solved is one of the few senior privileges offered at NK, senior parking. With many trial and errors, each year a plethora of seniors have been left with a feeling of anger and disappointment. Because seniors have such few privileges, it seems unfair that only one half to two thirds of the senior class is allowed to park in the senior lot.  Since the new school has been built, there has never seemed to be enough parking for the senior classes. Just this year alone, there are forty five seniors parking in the junior lot, or now called the “lower lot”. Aware of this issue, assistant principal John Lali and his secretaries, Ms. Barba and Ms. Anderson have been attempting to solve this issue by creating new systems each year, but they continue to fail. Systems such as priority base parking to first come first serve drop off have been trailed but unfortunately have failed. The idea of priority parking seemed to be beneficial until people began to question what was considered to be more of a priority (jobs, internship, sports, etc.).  When we chose this issue, we discussed many ways of going about it. We had first decided on the priority system, but after talking to Ms. Barba, that was ruled out. We also looked at this issue on a construction basis on that there are not enough spaces in general due to all of the excess grass. After speaking to Butch, a janitor at North Kingstown, he informed us that according to the DEM laws, the land needs to stay as it is for run-off purposes. Lastly, we reviewed the idea of every senior receiving a parking sticker, but no assigned spot, parking would be first come, first serve each day. When the senior lot was filled, you would need to go down to the lower lot.  After reviewing the pros and cons of each idea, I believe that the best solution is first come, first serve parking. IF this were used at North Kingstown, it would give each student the opportunity to park in the senior lot. This would also encourage students to be on time because they will want to park in the senior lot. Finally, there would be now way for any student to complain because if you’re on time, you will receive a spot, making every student an equal.  Key finding that have influenced me most in selecting the courses of action I propose are that other schools such as Edgewater High in Florida have used this system and it has had no problems. After thinking about the issue, weighing the pros and cons of various solutions and courses of action related to the issue of student parking, I think that using a first come, first serve parking basis would work to our schools advantage.   References: Ms. Barba- NKHS Secretary Ms. Anderson- NKHS Secretary Butch- NKHS Janitor http://www.ehs.ocps.net/school_information/student_parking.shtml