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School News

Fall Edition 2024

              

 

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Commons Areas of Morrow High School: Why is this area so intriguing? 
by Danica Lopez
 

Morrow, GA - The first year of the new Morrow High School presented new opportunities. One of these was an option to go to a special spot other than the lunch room during the student's lunch period.

 

For those students who missed this year, you may not know about the Common Areas. The seating near vending machines was a place where students could socialize and relax during lunchtime. It was a place to enjoy the company of a friend without having to go far from your classroom. However, after the first year of MHS grand opening, the Common Areas have no longer been in usage. A piece of students' freedom has been taken away when the Common Areas were closed off.

 

The Commons Area serves as more than just a place to sit. It is also a safe place for students who need to get away from all the loud crowds that school has. It is important for students to have safe places to reduce stress and improve their mental health. While lunch is the time to converse and have a good time, many students want to go to an area to escape from the overstimulation.

 

Many students interviewed said they do not enjoy school lunch. Whether it be due to the lack of variety for different diets, or simply being a picky eater, many find it pointless to make the long walk to the cafeteria if they’re not going to eat. 

 

The lunch period is also a time where scholars take the time to catch up on assignments. Connection issues in the cafeteria present a problem as the Wi-Fi is not as strong as other places in the building. 

 

Interviews from the 50 students showed 100% support to bring the Common Areas back. People are aware that not all students eat the school lunch, so a quiet place to go in order to crowd the cafeteria would be a great option for students. People believe that their usage should be back in place if the school paid for it. It would give the opportunity to use the vending machines and open the freedom of options for students to go to during lunch.

 

“I would support bringing back the commons area because they're always there… meaning it was a waste of money for the school to even include it. There are students…who prefer not to go to the cafeteria since they don’t eat lunch and walk there for no reason, so it can be seen as unfair for them” - Student.

Balancing Convenience and Nutrition

by Chanelle Smith

Vending machines in schools have become a topic of considerable debate. On one hand, they offer convenience and quick access to snacks and beverages, which can be particularly beneficial for students with busy schedules. On the other, there are concerns about the nutritional value of the items offered and their impact on students' health. 

This article explores the pros and cons of vending machines in schools and offers ideas on how they could be effectively managed to benefit both administrators and students.

 

Pros of Vending Machines in Schools

 

  1. Convenience and Accessibility**: Vending machines provide easy access to snacks and drinks, which can be especially useful during short breaks between classes. 

  2. Revenue Generation**: Schools can generate additional revenue through vending machine sales, which can be used to fund school programs and activities. 

  3. Variety of Choices**: With a well-stocked vending machine, students have a variety of options to choose from, catering to different tastes and preferences.

  4. Time-Saving**: For students who don’t have time to pack snacks or for those who may forget, vending machines offer a quick solution. 

 

Cons of Vending Machines in Schools

 

  1. Nutritional Concerns**: Many items in vending machines are high in sugar, fat, and calories, which can contribute to poor dietary habits and health issues like obesity.

  2. **Cost**: Items in vending machines can be more expensive than bringing snacks from home, which might not be affordable for all students. 

  3. **Distraction**: Frequent trips to the vending machine can be a distraction during school hours and may disrupt the learning environment. 

  4. **Maintenance and Supervision**: Vending machines require regular maintenance and supervision to ensure they are stocked with healthy options and are functioning properly. 

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