Since the new restriction on morning entry time has gone into effect, students only have from 7:20-7:40 to go to lockers, get help from or speak to a teacher, meet with clubs, and get to class before being marked late.

Among a number of problems, many students are concerned about less time for club meetings.  Southern Lehigh offers many types of clubs and programs, including sports. Many clubs schedule their meetings in the morning before school because several members of the clubs are committed to sports after school.

The new start time for students makes it difficult to for clubs to meet in the morning and accomplish all that they want to do.

“I am in the [National Honor Society], and because of the new rule we do not have enough time to get through all the information we need to,” junior Arden Stayer said. “I feel that it  is unnecessary to not let us into school until 7:20.”

“FBLA is not meeting as much as we need to.  The 7:20 rule is bad and messed up my routine,” junior David Hamm said.  “I think the teachers should get it changed back to the way it was. I did not see any harm it.”

I understand that it could make things safer because teachers do not have to be in school before 7:30, and should something happen, there may be no one to organize the unsupervised students scattered around the hallways.

Instead of not allowing any students in, I think we should allow the teachers who advise these clubs let the students into school so their clubs can meet under their supervision.

“Most clubs can’t meet after school due to sports,” junior Kolbi Harding said. “This makes it not only unfair for the club, but also its members.”

Students who are busy with sports after school are concerned not only with their club activities, but also getting help from their teachers before school. For instance, I would normally make up a test or go for extra help in the morning because I participate in both a winter and spring sport, but we no longer have time for that.

    The 7:20 rule is making it more difficult for the student body to get done what needs to be done in the morning. Many agree that it hurts us more than it helps us. It may be because we do not fully understand why this rule is being enforced, or perhaps it is because we find it making our lives harder than necessary.