Lunch switches cause confusion

By Erica Harnish and Paige Starkey, staff writers

 “I don’t like my lunch because it’s different and hard to get used to,” said sophomore, Kelsey Constance. Kelsey isn’t the only student who dislikes the lunch switches; however, the switches were needed. This tri started with 30 teachers switching lunches out of the 45 teachers.

Assistant Principal Eric Proseus said, “The lunch switches are based off of keeping the departments together, the number of people per lunch low, and keeping classes un-interrupted. The lunches had to switch, otherwise we would have too many in first lunch and not enough in second.”  

Mr. Proseus figures out the number of people per lunch by collecting every third hour teacher’s student count, then he puts the numbers on a spread sheet and adds them together until they are relatively equal. Approximately 421 are in first lunch and 450 are in second lunch.

Mr. Proseus also works with Mr. Allan Walker who is the food director. Walker is in charge of ordering the food, making the menus, and providing a speedy staff. In fact, his staff can serve everyone in first lunch in a 12 minute period. 

            These numbers make everyone’s life easier by keeping the lines shorter. Also, they keep the cafeteria from being over crowded. The lunch switches might be confusing and hard to get used to, but they definitely serve a purpose.

Library limits students during lunch
By Micayla French and Emily Bauer, staff writers

“Mrs. Hubers has done a great job with the library,” said Social Studies Teacher George Dudik. “Before, it wasn’t an inviting place to be.” Mr. Dudik suggests that librarian Barb Hubers’ interest in the students and desire to make the library a more inviting place may be one of the reasons for the overpopulation in the library.

On November 30, TKHS students received word by the daily announcements that the number of students allowed in the library during lunch would be limited to 80. Students entering the library during lunch are met by Assistant Librarian Barb Crawford, who counts the number of students who enter the library with a hand tally counter, a small hand-held machine that records the number with a click of a button. Principal Tony Koski, Assistant Principal Eric Proseus, and Librarian Mrs. Hubers reached the decision because of the excessive amount of students in the library during the lunch hours.

            The number of the students in the library created several issues within the TKHS staff and student body. The noise level of those in the library led to trouble completing work for some students. The volume continued to increase, and several students trying to complete their homework eventually petitioned the library staff to contain the noise level in the library.

The number of students in the library also contributed to the overuse and unintentional destruction of the library’s furniture.  The overpopulation led to many students sitting on tables, and more than one student sitting on a chair. These developments were one of the many factors leading to the decision

            The amount of students in the library also to led some students being bullied and picked-on during the lunch hours. In addition to this, Mrs. Hubers said she fears the lunch hour chaos might persuade the general public to stay away from the library. She worries about the older generation as well as young children if they venture into the library during these times.

            Although some students also agree with the decision, many do not. After a random survey of 84 students, 73 percent feel that the situation is unfair. One of those students, sophomore Katie Buning, says the situation is unfair to those who have work to do. She says the library’s new limit causes problems for those who have a purpose in the library, such as a project or homework that needs to be done.

            Other students, however, feel the decision needed to be made. “I think it’s a good idea,” said Sophomore Erin Ellinger. “The limit on the students means there is more supervision.”

            Mrs. Hubers doubts the situation will be permanent. She said that she is a firm believer that the library should be used. She also feels that the arrangement is not sufficient.

 “If anyone has a better idea let me know,” she added. “I am looking for solutions.”