If you could change one thing about Fuquay-Varina High School, what would it be? Students across campus were asked this question, and their responses reveal common frustrations with lunch schedules, senior privileges, and school rules.
For many, lunch is the most pressing concern. Several students noted that the current schedule does not allow sufficient time to eat, socialize, or have club meetings.
“I would change our lunch schedule because we’re in each period for 90 minutes and barely have time for lunch,” said senior Nafisa Chowdhury.
She added that not being able to eat with friends affects students’ social lives.
“I don’t even get to have the same lunch as my friends. Not being able to see them is depressing,” said Chowdhury.
Some students said they would like to have a one-hour lunch, where the entire school shares the same extended lunch break.
“I think we should have one big lunch. There’s no need to have separate lunches,” said senior Jason MoralesMorales.
He explained that a longer lunch period could benefit students academically as well.
“Students don’t have much time to get food, and people may need that hour to catch up on work or study. Club meetings wouldn’t have to be before or after school,” said MoralesMorales.
Limited time is especially challenging for students who leave campus for lunch.
“When they didn’t pass the one big lunch, I was mad because 35 minutes isn’t enough, especially for people who go off campus,” said junior Kyleigh Pickard.
“By the time I get anywhere with Fuquay traffic, I only have 15 minutes to eat and come back. I don’t think that’s fair for being at school for six hours,” said Pickard.
Lunch is not the only area of concern. Seniors also expressed disappointment over diminished privileges.
“How seniors don’t really get priority anymore, that’s what I would change,” said senior Sana Sheth.
Sheth elaborated on frustrations with exam exemptions and parking policies.
“Although we are still exempt from exams, it’s not fair that the lower classes can also be exempt. We worked hard to get to this point,” said Sheth.
Using alphabetical order for deciding our parking spots is another kicker. A parking spot is important to students, and having most of the seniors in the back with juniors near the school is unfair.
“Also, I thought we would get better parking spots. What do you mean some seniors are parked far away because of their last name? It’s not fair,” said Sheth.
Other students noted the phone policy as an area where the school day could allow flexibility, suggesting a broader desire for independence among students. They say that the phone rule has been hard to follow.
“The phone rule has been killing me,” said junior Carston Hanson.
Although responses varied, the most common themes focused on increased freedom and greater opportunities to connect with peers. Whether it is additional time to eat, the ability to socialize with friends or recognition of senior status, FVHS students are eager for changes that would enhance their high school experience.
