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Anna Diemer
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Posted: Jan 21st, 2006 12:01 am |
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I'm not sure how much those of you who are not in high school or do not have children in high school know about the parking situation at Northwest, but in my opinion, it's a fiasco.
Here's the system: All the parking spots were numbered, and at the beginning of the year, students came and stood in line to get a good spot. Obviously, everyone was not satisfied with their parking spot, and many people who got to school early because they have a "zero" period had to park incredibly far away from the school, even though the rest of the parking lot was three-quarters empty. Before too long, there were no more parking spots left at the school.
I went at the beginning of the year to try to secure a parking spot, although I could not get my license until October. Officer Pass told my mother and me that this was not allowed; however, there were people who didn't have their license who got parking spots. Also, when a student gets in a wreck, they loan their parking spot to their friends. This is unfair to those who have been on the waiting list since school started.
Frankly, I think that the whole system was a mess. A vote to change the student parking was scheduled to take place at the high school, but it never happened. I heard that the new principal, Mr. Kidd, said that the current parking situation would do for the second semester. Since the space is limited, I think that the parking should be a privilege for only upperclassmen and those who have a "zero" period.
I have a parking spot in the temporary lot beside the vocational building right now because my father is recuperating from surgery and I no longer have a ride to school. However, I do not want to lose my parking privilege after these six weeks are up. I have a "zero" period class, and I often stay after school for clubs and rehearsals for the musical, and it is a nuisance for my parents to drive back and forth an extra half-hour out of their way to pick me up from school. Any thoughts on this issue? I know that I am a strongly opinionated young lady, but I don't like to be deprived of privileges because of someone else's poor planning.
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Cracker Jax
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Posted: Jan 21st, 2006 01:40 am |
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Anna... I don't have this problem yet, however I am interested because it will be an issue for my child next year.
While some changes might need to be made immediately when a new principal comes on the scene, he must choose his battles wisely and take time to think them through....If he's a good one anyway. I don't know how OP feels about the parking procedure, but I am assuming it was his idea and he likes it as is. Mr. Kidd probably doesn't want to alienate staff by "nay saying" staff ideas until he can see how they work and offer solutions. Just a guess.
I do have a question about your proposal. You say that only upperclassmen and zero period kids get parking spots.... what about kids who are in after school activities and sports?
I would think some parking system is needed, otherwise 100 kids might show up one day and there would be no spots left. I definitely don't think everyone is going to be happy, no matter what system is implemented.
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Kris McNeill
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Posted: Jan 21st, 2006 01:58 am |
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Anna,
This has been a popular topic of conversation in our household this year. My daughter got her license in October and there were no parking spots left in the student lot. Because she has a zero period and several after school activities, like you, she was able to get a temporary parking pass for the vocational building lot. It is my opinion that because there is no bus service for zero period, the school must provide parking for any student taking a zero period class.
It is also my opinion that parking at school is a privilege, not a right. I believe that grades and conduct should be used as criteria for parking privileges in addition to zero period (I would think any student motivated enough to take an extra and EARLY class probably has good grades anyway!) And I agree with you, upperclassmen should have first dibs.
I heard all about the vote that never happened. Actually, I think maybe it was a good idea that it didn't happen. There has already been so much confusion and hard feelings over the parking fiasco. It would probably be better to just start over next year with a well planned and thought out parking policy. And I think that's the root of the problem right there -there just wasn't enough planning from the start this year.
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Steve Adkins
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Posted: Jan 21st, 2006 02:06 am |
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Anna, good forum.
It's refreshing to hear about some of the "other issues" that concern students. This one has also been a topic of concern at our household
There is nothing wrong with "strongly opinionated" persons who are willing to listen to others. It beats those that walk around with a "don't care" attitude.
Last edited on Jan 21st, 2006 02:09 am by Steve Adkins
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Kris McNeill
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Posted: Jan 21st, 2006 02:18 am |
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I'll add one more thing - driving for teenagers (and even some adults  ) should be a privilege and not a right. I think if more parents would believe this and put their foot down, we wouldn't even have a parking problem at Northwest.
OK, where's Cracker's soapbox. I need it.
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Bubba
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Posted: Jan 21st, 2006 03:00 am |
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There has been a lot of talk about this and with a school at 2300 students, most of which can drive - can't fit into 709 parking spaces!
I do know that only 2 things were changed in how you got a parking pass last year from all previous years. PTSA volunteers did not help OP (PTSA has never been in charge of distributing passes) and the spaces were numbered.
Things that stayed the same - Seniors and Juniors were sold to first. They had so many, overflow took all but 6 (Hello!!! 6) spots that went to sophmores in the lower lot.
I can not believe how many people have gotten mad about this and directed most of that anger to OP, instead to all the parents that LIED to get a pass for their child.
I hope there are numbered parking spots next year, but I know OP will be making changes this time and not do what has always been done.Last edited on Jan 21st, 2006 03:42 am by
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Kris McNeill
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Posted: Jan 21st, 2006 01:50 pm |
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Bubba wrote: I can not believe how many people have gotten mad about this and directed most of that anger to OP, instead to all the parents that LIED to get a pass for their child.
I think part of the problem from the very beginning was that Officer Pass was naive to the lengths students (and their PARENTS) would go to in order to get a parking pass. I think Officer Pass is one of the nicest people I have ever met and that's the thing - he's so nice that he probably never anticipated that some people would be dishonest for a square of asphalt.
I think that assigned parking spots are a problem because it gives folks the mistaken impression that they OWN that square of asphalt. I know that Officer Pass has tried to get some students who are not even using their spot to give it up and they and their PARENTS won't do it. They think they own it and it is their right to keep it - whether they are using it or not. That's ridiculous.
I have gone to the school in the middle of the day, driven through the entire student lot and counted the number of empty parking spots. One day, I counted over 100 empty spots. Several of these "belong" to students that I know who are not even driving to school. Some of them got the parking spot in August and they didn't even have a drivers license at that time. I hope when passes are sold next year that things will be handled more thoroughly.
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Vicki White-Lawrence
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Posted: Jan 21st, 2006 02:25 pm |
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I do not have a student at the high school at this time, but I was involved for several years with PTSA when we were asked to sell the passes for the school. (This was when everyone who wanted a space could have one, because there weren't that many students eligible. PTSA volunteers had no power in detemining who got a space and who didn't; we just sold the permits as a service to the school.)
As has been noted, the problem is that now there are not enough spaces for everyone who wants one -- yet another issue for a school with too many students.
Are students who wish to purchase a permit required to SHOW their driver's license? That would take care of a lot of the issue as to who is or isn't eligible to drive at the time they go on sale, usually just before school starts. If people are "offended" by having to prove their eligibility -- too bad. We have to do that all the time when we wish to participate in something that is restricted -- ie, purchase alcohol or tobacco, vote, etc. It shows we are indeed eligible.
I agree with Kris about parking/driving being a privilege as well. Don't athletes and others who participate in extracurricular activities have to maintain a certain GPA and standard of behavior? Our problem, as Bubba pointed out, is that each class gets bigger and bigger. If there are just over 700 parking spaces, spaces are sold to seniors first and 700 seniors purchase them, only seniors will be able to drive to school. Maybe, as has been suggested, other criteria needs to be considered...Of course, we need to encourage more carpooling, but then you get into the issue of parents needing to be sure they know who their child is with and that they are responsible.... EVERY child who is 16 doesn't need to be driving to school, and of course there is the restriction about having passengers in the car for a while after you obtain your license.
A lot of it gets back to parental responsibility and sharing resources. Some people are going to push for everything because they think it is "due" them, without thinking about the impact it might have on someone else who really NEEDS a parking space.....
I don't know what the solution is, and I'm glad I'm not the one who has to make the decision about it! Are Officer Pass, administrators, Leadership Team, etc seeking input from students/parents? It seems if they got a head start on next year, let people have a voice and then got the word out early about what the criteria is and who would and wouldn't be eligible, then there would be less hard feelings about it. I would hope everyone would be working together on this....
To keep it in perspective, I'm sure there are other high schools in Guilford County who would like to have this as the"hot" issue that is disturbing their students.
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Kris McNeill
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Posted: Jan 21st, 2006 03:04 pm |
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Good post Vicki!
OK, one more thing to say (I've got Crackeritis on this subject  )
I have heard that there are students with parking passes who have been kicked off the bus (banned from riding the school bus).
HELLO, what is wrong with this picture?? If my child did something so bad as to be banned from the bus, he/she would have to be chauffeured to school by me. I'd put big pink curlers in my hair and wear a bathrobe and big fuzzy slippers. I would drop shem off right at the front of the school and I'd get out for a stretch when we arrived  Problem solved.
Last edited on Jan 22nd, 2006 03:05 am by Kris McNeill
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macca
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Posted: Jan 21st, 2006 03:10 pm |
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WOULDN'T IT BE NICE IF MORE PARENTS APPROACHED IT THIS WAY, INSTEAD OF GOING TO THE SCHOOL AND DEFENDING WHATEVER IT WAS THAT LITTLE JOHNNY/JANIE DID, OR BLAMING IT ON SOMEONE ELSE? OR INSISTING THAT, SINCE THE PARENTS "HAVE DONE SO MUCH FOR THE SCHOOL" OR "THIS ONE LITTLE INCIDENT SHOULDN'T RUIN MY CHILD'S LIFE" THEN THE ADMINISTRATORS SHOULD PRETEND IT DIDN'T HAPPEN?
BTW: How did these students get parking permits? Or are they using someone else's space?
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A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright
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Cracker Jax
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Posted: Jan 21st, 2006 03:11 pm |
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 <~~~~~For Kris
YOU GO GIRL!
I just love a mom in pink curlers!
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gotobeme
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Posted: Jan 21st, 2006 03:38 pm |
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Lets think of it this way.....if there is no control there is usually mayheim. Most of society is controlled one way or the other by some rule or regulation. It is not unusual to have control of parking at local schools. I am sure that your situation is like a lot of others who find themselves without a permit at all. Most people like to complaint about the problem without offering a solution. I guess that is the American way. I do support your efforts to make things better for yourself, but this situation is not yours alone. Others are in worse conditions and in need of being able to drive to school, however, if there are a known amount of spaces, then only the amount of spaces known can be filled.
I would presume that the numbered spaces are put in for contol and to minimize the traffic hazzards on NW Sch Rd. Think on this. There are a lot of elements that add to the traffic problem there; parent driving their children to school when there is ample provision for transportation through Guilford County Schools Transportation; Students who want to drive just to be able to drive to school, not because there is a need but simply because they can. Hopefully, next year the administration team at NW High School will look at the parking situation and decide to allow only seniors, zero period students, and student driving to Weaver, and special conditions park at the school. This will minimize the amount of students driving to school.
Most of the accidents that have occurred at NW is believed to be committed by students between 16-18 years of age. We need to think about other pros and cons for driving to school besides the convienence of it all. The school's population is too large to allow the convienence of driving for the sake of driving. Parents and others who are part of the problem need to think about more than themselves. This is not to you personally, but to all who read this email.
It frightens me to know that I see the "all about me" attitudes in this area. It makes me ashamed to be a part. If we all would look at the parking situation with as much effort as we take trying to protect our so-called rights to do whatever we want, we can make NW and other schools better.
gotobeme
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Bubba
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Posted: Jan 21st, 2006 04:19 pm |
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That's great but we also have students that have work after school, too. And with 2300 students I think with your suggestions and mine that is more then 709.
One good thing about numbered spots it really, really slows down speed limit in the lot. They are not flying across an open lot to get that closest spot.
Second good thing, they will get a graet feel for what most colleges are like. Most times you don't even get to have a car let alone a "space". And NW is as big or bigger then some colleges in NC.Last edited on Jan 21st, 2006 04:20 pm by
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gotobeme
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Posted: Jan 21st, 2006 04:54 pm |
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Lets not speculate on what is and what isn't. The truth of the matter is this; if you are a parent and have a complaint, you need to get involved. Stop jaw jacking and put their action where their mouth is. I heard that next year only those students who are seniors, zero period, and maybe Weaver student and who have a license to drive will be able to. I believe that OP has chosen a group of students made up of the Student Leadership Team and Student Council to determine the permit proceedures for next year. I say why not....student attend the school and should have input as to how parking should be setup to minimize conflict. Our children need to know how to get involved in making decisions for themselves at an early age. It was surprising to me to know that parents of seniors and juniors came to sign their child up for a parking permit; a simple procedure that a middle schooler could have performed. Maybe that was the reason for all the problems associated with parking at NW. I say enough is enough! Let's grow up act in a responsible way and help out around Northwest instead of pointing fingers. It kind of remind me of our folks in Washingon. No one takes the blame for the problem, even though we all are a part of it.
gotobeme
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EditorPS
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Posted: Jan 21st, 2006 08:35 pm |
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gotobeme wrote: It was surprising to me to know that parents of seniors and juniors came to sign their child up for a parking permit; a simple procedure that a middle schooler could have performed.
I was one of those parents -- my daughter, a junior at NW, was working at a camp in Williamsburg this summer so it wasn't possible for her to get her own parking permit. I know one student who was on a mission trip for most of the summer and three who were on family vacation the week that permits were sold, so just wanted to point out that if you saw parents buying permits for their kids, it shouldn't be assumed that it's because our kids can't handle a "middle schooler" task on their own. At least in a couple of cases I know there was a much more legitimate reason.
I took off work twice in one day to get the permit for my daughter since she wasn't in town -- the first time I went, the line was ungodly long and since I hadn't planned on being gone from work a couple of hours, I had to turn around and go back. The second time I went it was much later in the afternoon and I got the permit with no problem.
Having a school with 2,300 students, with some of the supporting facilities such as parking lots being built for less than half that amount is a problem for sure. I agree that a lot of kids drive to school when it's not necessary, but in fairness, also remember that many of the students are very active and either have zero period classes before the regular school day begins or tutoring, jobs, sports, clubs, or other extracurricular activities that they participate in at the end of the school day which prevents them from using the bus for transportation.
Having more senior and junior students than student parking lot spaces does call for a creative solution and with classes getting larger each year (over 600 freshmen this year) we definitely can't handle parking as we have in the past.
Last edited on Jan 21st, 2006 08:37 pm by EditorPS
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