A full student parking lot is common as the construction on the new school progresses.

Whether you park across Fifth Street or in our very own GJHS lots, parking has undoubtedly been harder this year. 

With construction continuing on with the new school, the student parking lot has continued to be close to full on a daily basis. Students have learned to get to school early in order to find parking in the main parking lot by the gym commons. Other students, like myself,  have learned to park across Fifth Street and in the church parking lot to simply avoid paying the money to get a parking pass. But now that they are no longer allowing students to park at the church, students are left with few places to park. 

The GJHS 2023-24 student handbook states: “A parking permit does not guarantee a parking place on campus.”

Many students who park across the street don’t want to take that risk. It can also be more convenient to park across the street when it comes time to lunch or after school as they don’t have to deal with as much traffic. You’re more likely to keep your parking spot when you leave during releases. 

“I think it’s ridiculous how bad [parking] has gotten,” said GJHS senior Izzy Martinez, who often parks across Fifth Street from the school. “Especially now that sophomores are now beginning to drive as well.” 

Meanwhile, those who park on campus without a parking permit can be subjected to parking tickets costing $10 and you must pay the fine within ten days of the ticket or risk towing of your car. Despite this, parking on campus is a shorter walk and far less parallel parking than across the street. It’s also easier to park near your friends or carpool to lunch if you park in the parking lot. 

There has been much hope that seniors could get their own designated parking. I disagree with this idea. Seniors may have been here longer, but if seniors got their own parking, then every other class deserves their own parking as well. I believe that we need more parking spots in general, not just for seniors, but for students and staff as well. 

Parking can make it hard to get to class on time. It is important to note that if you have a parking pass, you can park anywhere on campus that isn’t a designated parking spot and anyone can get a parking pass for $10 in the main office. If you do not have a parking permit, you can park across Fifth Street and at designated parking spots at Sherwood Park. As of Oct. 2, they are no longer allowing GJHS students to park at the church.