A bulletin board often serves as a spot for the community to give their feedback and ideas. This board also looked around to find the students and staff members who work hard to turn them into reality.
AHS is full of ideas. Students and teachers constantly imagine new traditions, better schedules, exciting campus activities, creative spaces, and ways to make school life more engaging. From Jamba Juice and grilled cheese in the cafeteria to tacos, tamales, pizza days, tri-tip cookouts,
Raising Cane’s, and Starbucks on campus, students and staff clearly have a vision for making school life more enjoyable. Grayson Power shared that he would love to see grilled cheese added to the cafeteria menu, while Ms. Bean imagined students and staff grilling tri-tip on Santa Maria-style grills.
Students and teachers also highlighted traditions that bring people together, such as Renteria’s Auto Shop tailgate cookouts and potlucks, which many described as activities that strengthen community on campus
Ms. Maranta the, Yearbook advisor, suggested a tamales day or a pizza day like FFA puts on, Mrs. Becerra enthusiastically pushed for tacos, and Mr. Conrad thought Raising Cane’s would be a fun addition to campus dining. Nora Lannon also shared that she would love to have Starbucks available “before school, at lunch, and after school,” reflecting a popular opinion among students and staff.
Students and teachers also shared ideas about school traditions and campus culture. Evan Wanner said he looks forward to major events such as Prom and graduation, while other students mentioned excitement for Grad Nite and Homecoming. Mrs. Becerra, advisor of the Interact Club and an AHS alum, spoke about the importance of the Alma Mater and even encourages students to learn it through extra credit opportunities. Ms. Bean shared that she enjoys the “vibe of Homecoming,” especially because it helps freshmen become part of the excitement and energy of campus life. Mr. Conrad likes when classes compete during spirit week as it “bring together the whole school in a fun, interactive way.”
We also explored opinions on an open versus closed campus. Junior Grace Grimes explained that she values the freedom an open campus provides during lunch, especially for students who can drive. Many teachers, however, support aspects of a closed campus because it can improve safety, strengthen community, and reduce distractions during the school day. Mr. Conrad recognized positives in both approaches, understanding the balance between student independence and campus structure. Ms. Palmer suggested bringing local bands to perform during lunch once a month to create a more energetic and community-centered atmosphere on campus during lunch.
Mrs. Becerra hopes to see the makerspace club return so students can participate in hands-on creative activities such as crafting and bedazzling.
Students and teachers also discussed possible changes to the school schedule.
Mr. Conrad proposed a 4-day block schedule with more elective opportunities and one shortened day each week, while Mrs. Becerra suggested a hybrid schedule that combines traditional and block days to better balance coursework. Mr. Donati has spent years working with the district to explore schedule improvements and advocate for possible changes that could better support students and staff. Teachers on campus are open for student envolvment and welcome student support.
Even the school bell became part of the conversation. Students and teachers described the current bell as “boring” or “dreary.” However, many appreciate the one-minute warning added by Darvell. Suggestions for new sounds included Taylor Swift’s Bejeweled proposed by Mrs. Becerra, 80’s synth-pop music, the sound of a greyhound running on a track suggested by Joni Ferreira, who participates in the yearbook, paws, organized the film festaval and more, or something musical and playful like a saxophone tune.
These ideas show that AHS does not lack creativity, imagination, or enthusiasm. But having ideas is only the beginning. The real question is: how do we turn ideas into reality?
The answer starts with involvement. Many of the events, traditions, and opportunities students enjoy today only exist because someone took initiative, gathered support, and followed through with hard work. Ideas become reality when students and staff collaborate, organize, communicate, and build momentum around shared goals.
At AHS, there are already people working toward many of the same ideas students discuss every day. Mrs. Sheer, our activities director, continually helps turn student ideas into real events and opportunities that make campus life more vibrant and engaging. Teachers, club advisors, coaches, leadership students, and campus organizations are constantly creating opportunities for students to connect and participate. Often, the ideas students want already exist in some form and are simply waiting for more people to help bring them to life.
If we want to see music for a bell or more parties, one of the best first steps is getting involved and doing it yourself. If you want it, build it! Join a club, refresh an inactive club, participate in leadership, volunteer at events, or connect with the people already working toward similar goals. When multiple groups combine efforts, ideas become stronger, more organized, and more likely to succeed.
Small changes can make a big impact. A new tradition, a creative bell sound, a lunch event, a makerspace activity, a cookout, or a local band performance may seem simple, but those experiences help shape school culture and strengthen community.
AHS already has passionate students, supportive staff, and strong traditions. By building on what we already have instead of focusing only on what is missing, students and staff can continue creating a campus that is vibrant, connected, and inspiring for everyone. There is strength in numbers, and sometimes the ideas we are searching for are already right in front of us, just waiting to be rekindled.
What can you do!
Find people who are working on your idea too.
Join a club of PAWS or start one.
Look at Instagram and Emails frequently to keep up with the activities
Contact Mrs. Sherer to find another way to implement your idea!
