Students discussed the possibility of bringing back the Pledge of Allegiance, the divide between students of different grade levels and parents in the parking lot at today’s December Forum in the art room.

Students brought up the possibility of reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in class in hopes of unity. It was met largely by disagreement.

Junior Lily Callender said that requiring students to say the Pledge of Allegiance is a bit extreme because there are other ways for students to express unity. Many saw the Pledge of Allegiance as a way to divide students further rather than unite them.

Other students pointed out that the Pledge of Allegiance would take time from class, meaning less time would be available for tests and projects. Junior Darian Flores suggested that the pledge be said during homeroom.

Many were worried about the small amount of interaction between upper and lower classmen. Junior Kieran Zimmer pointed out that students felt most comfortable with those in the same grade because they have grown up with each other.

Some said the level of interaction was based on each person’s preference so others should not interfere too much with students comfort levels. Students suggested that homeroom be used to further the interaction with board games and potlucks to bring students together.

One suggested that Senior Out be used as a form of bonding, pointing out that upper and lower classmen should be introduced before in order to make it happen.

According to students, many parents drop off students in the parking lot, stopping in the middle of the lane and causing traffic. Senior Chloe Williams suggested that the smaller teacher parking lot near the P Quad be turned into a second drop off zone for parents; however, Principal Bjorn Paige was hesitant, describing it as a challenge.