Ramsey High School’s parking is inconvenient, dangerous, and highly contributes to lack of sleep and high stress levels among students. Those who must drive to school are forced to wake up much earlier than necessary just to claim a spot within walking distance of the school.
By 7:30, all spots on Prospect St. are taken, with the furthest spot being almost 700 feet away. By 7:40, all spots in the rescue lot are taken, which are about 600 to 700 feet away. And many students’ last resort is Island Ave or Arch St, which is anywhere from almost 600 to over 1,000 feet away from the school’s main entrance.
Over half of the student population has their license, while there is only guaranteed parking at the school for staff. Every other possibility for students is a free-for-all, with the exception of the lot across from the Episcopal Church, which is not only almost 800 feet away from the school, but it also costs a fee to reserve a spot for the year. To add on, there’s less than 100 spots.
Some may argue that we should just wake up earlier, but if everyone has that same idea, it makes no difference, and spots will fill up just the same. It shouldn’t be a matter of first-come, first-served. The earlier kids wake up, the less sleep they receive, resulting in poor academic performance and mood problems. Many also can’t help how late they go to bed, with friends of mine returning from sports and meets at about 11 P.M. Others have jobs and responsibilities at home, and combined with additional schoolwork, an early bedtime is not always an easy adjustment.
My drive from school is only about 2 minutes, and I already have to wake up 20 minutes earlier than usual just to get out of the house in time. Now, take into account all of the kids who live across town, or even in different towns altogether. Sleep is the last thing we should have to give up in exchange for school parking. A consistent and adequate sleep schedule allows for important bodily functions to take place. Sleep is also vital for learning, as this is when the body is able consolidate memories and retain information learned throughout the day, while lack of sleep can lead teens to experience inattentiveness in school and other physical complications.
Additionally, there have been numerous occasions on which a school administrator had to announce over the loudspeakers that anyone parked in the Anthony Franco’s parking lot was at risk of being towed, and advised to move as soon as possible. As frustrating as it must be for them to receive these complaints and have to give these warnings, imagine how frustrating it is to wake up early every morning just to be met with nothing but occupied spots, then having to circle around the school hoping you find one that’s close enough to walk in before the bell rings.
It’s not just about getting to school on time. When the weather gets bad, students are forced to walk long distances through heavy rain, sleet, snow, and freezing wind just to reach the building. These conditions make the walk not only uncomfortable but also dangerous. Wet and icy sidewalks increase the risk of slipping and getting injured, and during heavy rain or snow, visibility for both students and drivers is reduced. No student should have to worry about their safety before the day has even begun, just because they couldn’t find a parking spot closer to school.
Overall, the current parking situation places unnecessary stress on students who are simply trying to get to school. Students should not have to sacrifice sleep, mental health, or personal safety just to attend school each day. If Ramsey High School truly prioritizes its students, then the necessary changes will be made to better accommodate our needs and ensure our well-being.
