UC High will be adjusting its parking policies to help ensure schoolwide safety and embark on a new tradition of senior parking spots as a fundraiser for the Class of 2024.
The main purpose of the parking permits is to validate whether or not a vehicle on campus belongs to a UC High student or faculty member. “It all comes down to safety, as we have an open campus, which can lead to anyone parking in our lot at any time. It is a quick way for our administration, staff, and school police to identify whether or not a vehicle belongs on our campus. That’s the thinking behind it,” said Principal Michael Paredes.
“As far as enforcing this new rule, it will not result in a ticket. There will be something as simple as a note or QR code that will be placed on the vehicle for the students who have not requested a permit to send in a request to attain one,” said Paredes.
Not only are permits now required again, but the school will soon be undergoing more construction to build fences that will surround the campus as a security measure. Paredes said, “We are now embarking on this because of safety and since the District has us pegged to have a fencing project around the campus. We are the last high school in the District not to have a single point of entry.”
According to Paredes, the permit policy will be implemented in late September / early October, when there will be a stronger push to have new and existing drivers attain a parking permit that can be hung on any car’s rear-view mirror.
Along with new parking changes, there will also be a new opportunity for seniors purchase their own private parking spot. According to Senior McKenna Jenkins, this will give students the opportunity “…to express not only themselves but UC High’s Centurion spirit by designing and decorating their parking spots.”
Senior Class President Andrea Lanatta-Valera explained that the senior parking spots are for sale, as this opportunity is a fundraiser. She said, “Students will benefit from the parking spots because the money we receive from this fundraiser goes right back to the Senior Class. Senior Class funds go to paying for things like Prom, end-of -the-year activities, and much more.”
Lanatta-Valera added, “I advocated to have this [senior parking spots] for the Class of 24 because it is a pretty big fundraiser for the Senior Class. It also helps bring UC spirit to campus. Seniors get to come together and paint their spots, all while making fun memories together. Additionally, underclassmen and parents get to enjoy looking at our artwork.”
“It is something that we can physically see that is very special for the Senior Class. It makes the school feel like we take pride in our seniors,” said Senior Class Advisor and Science Teacher Janelle Aleksic.
Seniors will have a chance to paint their parking spots on Saturday, September 16 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., and are allowed two additional people to help them.