Pippa Hazlewood ’11
Opinions Editor

On the first day of school students swarmed around unfamiliar turnstiles in the entrance of cafeteria attempting to make their way into the already congested lunch room.

“The turnstiles really disrupt the traffic and flow of the cafeteria,” said agitated student  Alanna Morton ’11.

Besides the turnstiles, other changes include a new sandwich line, more efficient panini makers, and hand sanitizers throughout the lunch room.

Most students have mixed reactions to the new additions.

“I’ve hurt myself on them multiple times, but the wood paneled sandwich line barriers are a nice touch, even though they don’t make things move much smoother and are kind of unnecessary,” Katy Blackburn ’11 said.

When asked to explain the process at which these things were added, Principal-Principal John Dodig said that “over the summer I was invited to a meeting with a few big heads from Chartwells (the cafeteria service), designer, and an architect showing me plans to make the place look better and be more efficient.”

The main purpose for the turnstiles are to prevent kids from walking out of the cafeteria without paying for their food.  It was seen as a necessary action because in past years there has been a huge problem with stealing.

“Obviously, if a student is determined to steal they will, but we hope that these will deter a few kids, which will eventually make a bid difference,” Principal Dodig said. “I suggested they install cameras, which they may or may not do in the future.”

Other organizational changes have caused discomfort amongst some students.

“I don’t like how they sell real food at the smoothie place, it was better as a place for snacks,” Josh Kaseff’ 11 said.

Other students feel even more strongly against the changes.

“I hate them. They’re so annoying,” Alex Schmerzler ’10 said.   “People can still walk out with food even with the turnstiles there.”

However, seniors who are used to the old ways, have different opinions than freshmen.

“I never knew that they didn’t used to have turnstiles, but I think things are better this way, they keep order,” Max Kurzner ’13 said.

Automatic dispensing hand sanitizers have also been recently installed in the cafeteria to prevent the spread of illness.

“We piloted them in the elementary schools a few years back because you can’t always wash your hands before eating in the cafeteria, and it is the most important time to eliminate germs,” said Nadine Schwab, the supervisor of health services.

Along with the other changes made to the cafeteria, the hand sanitizers are expected to be a permanent addition, as long as they’re used appropriately.   However, Schwab still encourages students to use sinks and soap whenever they can before eating.