For the first time ever, the hJunior class is able to can travel off campus for lunch.
On Wednesday, April 23rd, Mr. DeKlotz sent out an emailed students and parents detailing a “trial period,” during which where members of the jJunior class will have the opportunity leaveto go off campus for lunch during the last 4 weeks of school.
Prior to this announcement, Oonly Sseniors have had this opportunity previously. Seniors are allowed able to walk off campus at the start of the year, and can potentially earn driving privileges by behaving positively during the senior pilgrimage.
All jJuniors that have not faced heavy disciplinary action are eligible for off campus lunch, but it is something that can and will be revoked at any time. If a junior accumulates too many tardies, a Ssaturday jug, or falls below a 2.3 gpa, their privilege will be revoked for the trial period, but can be regained.
The major difference between sSenior and jJunior off campus lunch is being able to drive. The Jesuit administration is upholding a strict no-driving policy for jJuniors, which limits the possible lunch spots to the Valley Plaza and surrounding area given the 35 minute lunch period.
However, this has not stopped Juniors from venturing down Beaverton Hillsdale Highway during lunch. Based on a poll by Jesuit Media, of the 36 respondents in the junior class, oOn Tuesday, April 29th, the first day of the new policy, 52.8% went off campus for lunch. Of those who did go off campus, an overwhelming 92% reported that they enjoyed going off campus off lunch. 50% of people reported they plan on going off campus every week for the foreseeable future.
Chipotle seemed to be the hot spot for the Junior class, 32% ordered ahead and grabbed their bowls and burritos. The same method was used at Starbucks, which 27% of jJuniors went to. Other spots included McDonalds, 7/11, and Pizza Schmizza.
“I think it’s a great opportunity for us to learn how to manage our time wisely and make sure we get back to class on time. It also serves as a good motivator for everyone, not just jJuniors. It gives Freshmen and Sophomores something to look forward to when they reach jJunior year and encourages a school-wide focus on doing well in academics and attendance,” said jJunior Vivan Shen.
The implementation of off campus lunch serves as a reward for good attendance, behavior, and academics. This is exactly what Mr. DeKlotz was hoping for, a policy that rewards good behavior with special privileges, and one that anybody can have.
“I see it as a potential reward for things that are going well, students doing well academically, students having good attendance…it’s good positive motivation,” Mr. DeKlotz said.
However, some students did not feel the same way. Frustration with the no-driving policy and stress about getting back to school in time for class are common downsides that students have found with the new policy.
“It feels stressful to not be able to drive so I'm constantly in a hurry and I feel like I can’t really enjoy my lunch with enough time,” said jJunior Sadie Ross.
“Going off campus you are limited to Chipotle, [Pizza Schmizza], Starbucks, or McDonalds,” jJunior Alex Khan reported.
However, these small downsides are not enough to prevent Juniors from going off campus, where the positives of the new policy shine brightly. Based on the first week, off campus lunches may become a staple for the Junior class through the last few weeks of school and into next year.
