SHS School Government Considers Changing to Chalking

The Scarsdale High School class of 2016 government is considering changes to the long beloved tradition of senior class "chalking" after students were upset over the results last year. The class of 2015's chalking left many unhappy, prompting the government to discuss how to better execute the tradition.

The Scarsdale High School custom happens annually during the start of the school year. Seniors show up early in the morning to cover the Brewster road entrance with drawings, names and decorations. The excitement caused by chalking is felt every year when seniors join together as a class to beautify the school with colorful markings. Chalking is an opportunity for the senior class to bond and collaborate before beginning their last year together. Oftentimes groups of friends will draw designs together, usually choosing to name their group and draw the name on the sidewalk.

Last year, many felt the practice promoted cliques and exclusivity rather than unity. "The event promotes the existence of separate friend groups rather than a more united class," reported Sarah Weintraub, secretary of the class of 2016 government. The habit of designating, naming, and then publicly labeling groups of friends made many uncomfortable. "[Chalking] seems to invite exclusion and make for awkward attempts to define groups," remarked former class president of the class of 2015 Matt Mandel. "I feel like people without solidified groups felt uncomfortable," He continued. Aside from the pressure to design exclusive friend groups, many were put off by one friend group showing up in the early hours of the morning to claim a large central spot. "Some of the problems that have been brought up in the past have to do with one clique getting a 'better spot' or a more central spot while others can be made to feel less important," stated Weintraub. Many felt that the ability to claim the central spot for one friend group created an uncomfortable hierarchy within the senior class.

Because of discontent with last years chalking, the class of 2016 government has begun discussions to try and minimize the exclusivity for next year. "We definitely did not like the 'cliquey' feeling of last years chalking and want to address it for this year," reported Stephanie Strek, secretary of the class of 2016. "We may try to block off the center section of the school's sidewalk to create a piece that the entire class would work on together," continued Strek. Many feel the change would be welcome, helping to promote a united senior class instead of divided friend groups. "Chalking should be about coming together as a senior class," expressed Sami Meyers, an incoming SHS senior. The government hopes that creating this minor change in the tradition will make chalking a more positive experience for everyone. "We want to make chalking something that brings the class together," remarked Strek.

No official changes have been made yet, however, and the government is still discussing whether changes should be made to the tradition. "In terms of next year, we are planning on meeting at the end of the summer to discuss the possibility of changes," reported Strek. "We haven't made any final decisions yet but our ideas have been well-received," elaborated Weintraub. Many hope that the minor change will bring about a more inclusive environment. "Our goal is to potentially make chalking a fun event that helps to bring together the senior class," concluded Weintraub.