As students were reintroduced to school this year, many have received their licenses and are driving themselves. Driving to school can be hectic, and trying to find a parking spot can stress students out or even cause them to be late. Painting parking spots is used at other schools for students to claim their spots.
A good solution to this problem would be allowing seniors to paint assigned parking spots. This would bring several benefits to Waterford High School and its students, enhancing their experience and sense of community.
Allowing seniors to paint their parking spots can foster a sense of ownership and personalization. Being able to customize a parking spot used every day can make the school environment feel more welcoming and familiar. This personalization can also help create a community atmosphere where seniors feel more connected to their peers and surroundings. Additionally, it can help resolve any parking confusion.
Many seniors have voiced concerns about Waterford High School not having enough parking spaces, especially since the “half circle” and “overflow” parking lots are limited this year. With 173 seniors in total, many are struggling to find places to park without these lots. Individual parking spaces for seniors could help clear up any confusion and provide them with a sense of creativity and ownership.
Schools in the area, specifically East Lyme High School, allows students to customize and choose their parking spaces. They go through a process where seniors select the desired parking spot for the year, and have the option to participate in painting their spots.
Senior Emma Piela states, “I think that as seniors, we should have the privilege to get a parking spot and be able to paint it so we are guaranteed a place to park. Painting our parking spots would be a great way to bring our grade together and eliminate the stress of finding a spot.” Emma believes that seniors participating in customizing parking spaces would solve any confusion and parking problems anyone might have.
When asked why seniors have not been able to participate in this throughout the years at Waterford High School, Mr. Samuelson explained, “In regard to painting parking spaces, that was a Capstone idea several years ago, and unfortunately, we couldn’t get support from the BOE [Board of Ed] due to issues around equity, concerns over aesthetics, etc.” Samuelson is on board with the idea but does not have the final say.
Allowing seniors to come together and personalize their own spots serves as a community-building activity. Students could collaborate on designs, share ideas, and even host events around the process. This activity can help reduce feelings of isolation, promote friendships for the upcoming year, and create a supportive community among seniors, bringing them together for their last year.