For years, Fiesta Friday has been an attempt to come together as a school to eat lunch, play games, dance, listen to music played on speakers and have a sense of community with others. However, many students, including myself, claim it to be a frustrating experience and a waste of lunchtime.
Every other Friday, students gather in the grove to eat lunch together, play games and spend time with one another. Although students regularly eat lunch throughout the school’s courtyards or in the cafeteria, we are all forced to eat lunch in the grove on Fiesta Fridays regardless of the heat. Whenever students attempt to go back inside the school to eat, get something from their locker or use the bathroom, we are told that we are not allowed to do so until lunch is over. Also, because the only way to get back to classes after lunch is through the same hallway, we run a risk of being tardy to our period five because of the crowded hallways. Therefore, school staff should allow students the choice of where they’ll eat on Fiesta Fridays.
“I dislike Fiesta Friday because it’s not optional and sometimes just sitting there is uncomfortable,” senior Maya Baugher said. “I wish it was an option rather than forced.”
There are not always enough chairs for everyone including my friends and me, meaning we have to spend our lunch standing or sitting on the ground, creating an unpleasant experience. I’ve heard of many students who have had their chairs stolen by others in desperation for somewhere to sit.
Although the student population isn’t large, there are never enough chairs for all of us during lunch. Students who have period four farther from the front of the school, including me, are usually the ones who have the most difficulty with finding seats. This often leads to disagreements between students about seating and an overall uncomfortable experience.
However, despite the numerous frustrations, Fiesta Friday is used to celebrate events together as a school such as Hispanic Heritage Month, Club Rush and student-organized events. Some students often enjoy playing games in the center of the grove like Jenga and cornhole.
“I enjoy playing soccer in the front with my friends,” said senior Andrew Arevalo, a member of the leadership class. “Fiesta Friday can most definitely be improved.”
Leadership students organize chairs during period four at the grove for students to sit in. Leadership teacher Alain Cruz believes that Fiesta Friday can benefit students and be a fun opportunity.
“It’s an opportunity for the whole school to be together in the same space and find ways to connect with each other through Fiesta Friday activities or celebrations,” Cruz said. “It’s also a great experience for people who enjoy being outside since we have such a nice grove area.”
Fiesta Friday attendance should be an option instead of an obligation. Rather than requiring students to remain in the grove for Fiesta Friday, we should be able to choose whether or not we’d like to attend, or eat lunch in the courtyards like we usually would. While some students enjoy games, sports, music and activities during Fiesta Friday, it should be made optional instead of forcing it onto students.
