Students are lucky to take a break during the day and go outside, breathe fresh air, and even play sports during power lunch. 

This year, however, as students made their way to the courtyard doors, large red “caution” signs blocked their exit. Thankfully, the closure is only temporary. 

“It’s not that we don’t want y’all out there,” Assistant Principal Mr. Parker said. “As soon as the temperature comes down just a little bit, we’re going to open it up.” 

Unlike last year, teachers on duty will be in charge of the courtyard instead. 

“We do not have a parking attendant whose job is to monitor the outdoors in any weather,” Parker said. 

To protect the health of the teachers monitoring outdoors, administration decided to wait before allowing anyone outside because they “don’t want our teachers to be out for 30-45 mins in the excessive heat and then have to teach afterward,” Parker said.

While teachers thankfully won’t have to suffer in the heat, they will be assigned to watch the courtyard daily and monitor the doors to ensure students’ safety.

“I like to be outside, so I don’t really mind having duty in the courtyard,” dance teacher Mrs. Grubb said. “It’s good to have a break from being inside.” 

Students also enjoy having a break from being indoors, as it helps them reset and enjoy nature during the day.

“I like eating outside,” sophomore Yara Mubaidein said. “it’s nice to breathe some fresh air,”