Mrs. Corris is planning to change several rules to better the high school experience for students next year. There are a few rules that will change drastically, and a few that are just in the process of thought. One of them, however, has to do with the health of upcoming freshmen; severe peanut allergies are going to keep food out of the hallways. Also, hats might come back into style, and bullying will finally be stopped. Food in the Hallways There are a few factors that are changing the rule for food in the hallways. Though there is a rule in the handbook saying food is allowed between classes, the rule is set to change. On the surveys about school that students took in their English classes, the number one complaint was the cleanliness of the school. “I have to take all complaints into consideration,” Mrs. Corris said. Peanut allergies are also a serious issue with upcoming students. Though there are a myriad of different allergies in the school, the peanut allergy is the most prominent. The incoming students are allergic to peanuts so much that even the smell is dangerous to them. Even though the school is not planning on changing to a peanut-free menu, having food in the hallways could prove to be harmful for students with such allergies. There is most likely going to be a “safe zone” for students with severe allergies to eat. Clothing “Kids get defensive about their clothing,” Mrs. Corris said. The rules are so hard to enforce because of the way they are stated in the handbook. The rule says that shorts and skirts need to be longer than the finger tips. Depending on arm length, shorts might have to be down to a student’s knees. According to Mrs. Corris, the general rule of thumb is that the hemline should be only two inches above your knee, but the finger tip rule will not change. Tank tops and shirts with straps are another gray area. Most schools don’t allow straps at all, and the shirts all need to have some sort of sleeves. “I’m not going to stand there and measure your tank top straps,” Mrs. Corris said. “There isn’t that much of a difference between spaghetti straps and one inch straps, so the rule doesn’t make sense.” The rule will stay as it stands, though. Flip Flops The rumor about enforcing the flip flop rule is false. Though sandals are said to be more dangerous than closed-toed shoes, Mrs. Corris and even some teachers are advocates of flip flops. “I would wear them if I could. They should make dressy ones,” Mrs. Corris said. “Civility Project” Civility is the first of Freedom’s “eight learning outcomes.” Civility is just another word for respect, and to “treat people like you want to be treated.” Mrs. Corris and a group of teachers and concerned students are having the premiere of the civility project in the fall of the 2011-2012 school year. The project will try to stop all bullying and encourage bystanders to help each other. The point of the group isn’t just to stop the bullying, but to recognize and congratulate people who are doing the right thing.