Flipping through the channels Tuesday night, we found ourselves watching Norcam (as we often do). A documentary about North Reading High School was on, mostly discussing the historic building's flaws as seen through the eyes of students.
But what I found fascinating was the segment in which students scoffed at the idea of using their lockers.
Lockers.
They noted that the old building is overcrowded and filled with traffic jams, especially B Wing, and punctuated the segment with video of students milling the hallways... while carrying backpacks the size of morbidly obese toddlers.
You know what might help you guys out? Using your lockers!
I remember doing this crazy thing 20 years ago... I used my locker. It was mandatory. It was useful.
My locker was in my beloved B Wing, right side of the hallway, right after Mr. Pushkar's room, next to Craig Popp and Michael Peluso. Every morning, I'd stop at my locker and drop my ESPRIT bag in, toss my lunch in the shelf up top, and grab my books for my first couple of classes. Then, I'd stop there periodically during the day, say hi to Craig and Michael, get my books, go to class. It was a system that worked.
So why don't kids use it now? I'm truly bewildered. And, seriously, you can decorate lockers. The photo attached to this blog? It was put in my locker in 1993 and stayed there until I graduated in 1995. (It's on my desk now. Yes, I still have it. Yes, that is former Boston Bruins forward Ted Donato.)
If I could, I'd go get that locker in the old building and turn it into a planter in my yard. I loved it that much. (And, yeah, I'm that weird.)
Other things struck me during this documentary about NRHS... The students whined about "long lines for good lunches." Oh yeah. Because that never happens at Dunks or anywhere else popular food is sold?
Another "problem" with the building... An "8-minute traffic jam" getting to the school. Wait until that kid has to go on 128!
I tease, of course. We were all young and silly once.
But at least I used my locker!
I want to know. Did you? Where was yours? What was in it?
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