By Angel Quintanilla |
The Rough Rider building was built in 2007. This year more than 2,900 students walk class to class in this large building. In order to improve flow and cut down tardiness, on Jan. 4, 2016 the second and third floor of Rough Rider building will be one way during passing periods. The administrators have been looking at the high traffic on the second and third floor of rough rider; they want to keep traffic flowing instead of students standing around talking. The passing period will be the same time–five minutes long.
There will be teachers at every class room door to make sure students go the right direction. There will also be hall monitors and administrators in the hallways. When teachers heard the announcement at the faculty meeting last month, most reacted positively to the idea.
“I feel that whatever my principal wants us to do that will help the success of the students then I will enforce it,” AP geometry teacher Lucy Limon said.
Some students might have a problem with it at first, but eventually will get used to the change.
“It doesn’t make sense to go one way, people should be free to choose a way,” freshman Keala Laws said.
The one way is only during passing periods, not when using the restroom or out on a pass.
Principal Melvin Echard said he plans to start with the Rough Rider building, with 27 second floor classrooms and two labs and 21 third 21 rooms and two labs. If all goes well with the new one way during passing period in Rough Rider, principal Echard plans to do the same thing to the Saber building.
On the first day back from break, Mr. Echard plans to have a video for the students to watch in their advisory classes, and have the teacher explain to the students. There will be arrows on the floor to guide students where to go and 11” by 17” maps to show you the place you’re at and which way to go.
“Overall I hope it will improve tardiness,” Echard said. “I want to maximize those 50 minutes in class, every minute counts.”
