NEWS
Administration institutes new parking lot policy BY NEELANSH BUTE | AD MANAGER THIS YEAR, MHS HAS ADJUSTED its parking lot policies in response to frustrations last year, namely with students parking in spots that weren't theirs. "Quite frankly, the last few years it's gotten worse and worse, we have lots of people parking illegally and parking in spots that aren't theirs," Sophomore Principal Dr. Dan Ramsey said. The first offense results in a $10 fine and a letter to parents, the second a $20 fine and weekend detention, the third implicating a $30 fine and one day in-school-suspension, and the fourth implicating a 30 dollar fine and up to 10 days out-of-school-suspension. MHS has remained the only school in the Rockwood School District without parking tickets for quite a while now. Though after careful consideration, administrators have decided to start issuing tickets for those that abuse the system, Dr. Ramsey said. "We looked at what other schools were doing and we decided to follow through, Dr. Ramsey said. "Nobody wants to get a parking ticket and I think as long as people follow the rules, we
should all be fine. Quincy Broadus, senior, was one of the first to feel the strict transition in policy, as he a parking ticket on the first day of school. "Last year I didn't really experience any problems with the parking lot procedure," Broadus said. "But this year, I got a ticket on the first day and I think that was unnecessary. Due to the large number of students affected by the matter, school officials decided to give these students a warning. Although Broadus said he was frustrated by the violation, the justification behind it seemed to be evident. "I can understand why they are taking these precautions, but I don't think the rules needs to be this heavily enforced," Broadus said. Parking tickets are issued by Mel Caruso, parking lot attendant, someone who has admittedly seen some really bad parking jobs. "In general, teenagers typically tend to be poor drivers due to lack of experience," Caruso said. "I do see a lot of that out there, but I've seen many people demonstrating incredible defensive driving skills.� Though Caruso said parking tickets are necessary to keep the lot orderly,
For the first time in MHS history, administration has decided to put in place a parking policy that includes ticketing violators. Fines range from $10 to $30. Photograph by Neelansh Bute she also expresses concern over minor transgressions. "Since this is the first year we’re doing this, I would like to add a line for a warning," Caruso said. "Hopefully,
the students know that I'm there to make sure things are fair. To me, if you guys are willing to pay $180 for a parking spot, you deserve that parking spot as your own."
You could be on the cover of the yearbook! ONE lucky student will get to be on the cover of the 2017 yearbook and get a free book. Tell us a story about you. Tell us something interesting that you have done or have participated in. What would you have done differently? How has it made you a better person? Pick up an application from Rm 226 and fill it out. You must submit a one-paragraph answer to the prompt.
The winner will be announced October 3. 7