“Out with the old, in with the new” seems to be York’s motto lately. This year there have been various changes in food, rules, and decor at school.

Food Options

Going to lunch the first day and realizing that York’s beloved chocolate chip cookies were gone was a shocking surprise to the majority of students and staff. Not only were the cookies gone, but other favorites were cleared off the shelf. Since the school is a part of the National Lunch Program, these changes “were mandatory under the new USDA Smart Snacks Food Regulations guidelines,” said Manager of Food Services, Mr. Fidone.

Will these changes affect students buying a lunch or not? Junior Mara Martino, thinks so, “I don’t buy anything at lunch anymore because they took away what I usually get.”

Time Change

Students and staff have to set their alarm clocks a little earlier this year due to York’s new start time.

Sophomore Bob Robertson, like many, values every minute of sleep. “I have definitely noticed the slight change; it is frustrating to lose five minutes of sleep,” Robertson said.

As of last year, there have been complaints from parents that the shared bus system used in District 205 was failing to pick up and drop off their kids to school on time. This resulted in York starting five minutes earlier and the middle schools starting five minutes later.

District 205 Assistant to the Superintendent, Ellen Walsh, said the changes “allow the buses sufficient time to make both runs and get all students to and from school on time.”

Off-Campus

Off-campus is one of the major perks of being a senior. In years past, seniors were just given an off campus ID. But as of last year, administration requires all seniors with off-campus to wear a green lanyard with their ID attached to it.

For some seniors, with all the pride that comes along with having off-campus, the lanyard makes it a little less cool. Those who have the privillage need to wear their lanyards at all times, which can be “annoying to have to remember to bring it to school every day,” said Senior Jess Bianchi.

School officials didn’t add the lanyards for style, but to provide a way of visually showing that a student is, a York student. Assistant Principal of Curriculum and Instruction, Dr. Covino, said, “Since seniors are entering and leaving the school at different times, it is important to show identification for safety reasons, which is why staff have to wear them as well.”

Tardy System

Last year the PLASCO system was installed in late May. If late to class, a student must go scan their ID to the closest PLASCO station, and present the pass to their teacher in order to gain entry into their classroom. It was put in place to “regulate students’ tardies in a efficient manner that does not distract teachers from the rest of the class,” said Covino.

Senior Peter Pelefas believes that the system is is a hassle: “I had to go all the way to the opposite side of the building from where my room was to get a pass,” said Pelefas.

Assistant Principal for Student Services, Mrs. Goldman, said, “Deans and campus supervisors have noticed students are making sure to get to class on time because of the new system.”

Doors

The new addition of the main entrance doors led to rumors among York students that the school installed metal detectors. This is not the case.

“The the new doors are there to protect students from any intruders,” said Mrs.Heil, York Dean. “It is easy for anyone to slip past the main entrance and walk right into the school. The doors adds protection for students and staff.”

The changes are in place for different reasons, but they all have one thing in common: to make York a better place.