C.B. Aycock ready for expansion plan
By News-Argus Staff
Published in News on September 15, 2014 1:47 PM
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News-Argus/BOBBY WILLIAMS
Charles B. Aycock High School students are dismissed for lunch. But instead of heading to the cafeteria, many congregate outside or in the front hallway at the school. The situation at the district's largest high school is prompted partly by overcrowding in the cafeteria and students' choice to socialize, principal Dr. Earl Moore said.
School officials are hoping that more classrooms and an expanded cafeteria at Charles B. Aycock High School will relieve some of the overcrowding at the district's largest high school.
In the eight years Dr. Earl Moore has been principal at the school -- where he began his career as a teacher more than 35 years ago -- he has witnessed firsthand the growth spurt in the county's northern end.
"Back in 1977, when we had 500 students here, that's when I started, so I have kind of seen the trend," he said.
Over the last decade, enrollment has climbed upwards of 1,200 students, with 1,262 students in the 2006-07 school year. Numbers remained steadily below that, dipping to an average of 1,150 between 2010-2012. In the 2013-14 school year, they climbed back up to 1,205. As of Friday, enrollment at the school was 1,272.
"We have seen a big shift, specifically in the last three or four years," Moore said. "But more so this year, we have got a record number of students coming in this year. I don't know what it is but we have just got a record number of students."
With classroom space at a premium, the school now has 13 modular classrooms and seven "roaming" teachers, so the thought of adding 20 new classrooms sparks enthusiasm.
"We're just excited about the renovations, period, especially the classrooms. That's what we need," Moore said. "They're excited about every teacher having a classroom."
Having more room in the cafeteria will also give students another option on the lunchtime menu.
After all, the midday break is about more than just food -- it's about socialization, the principal says.
When the first bell rings signaling lunch, students can choose one of two lines at the cafeteria entrance, buying lunch or the a la carte option to purchase individual items.
Beyond that, they have a choice of whether to sit in the crowded lunchroom or go elsewhere.
With four lunch periods, 1,200 students and a cafeteria that seats 300, there simply are not enough seats for all the students.
"Obviously it's not an ideal situation but they do the best they can out there," said school board member Chris West. "All of that's going to be taken care of and addressed with the new construction. We're going to alleviate all that.
"Hopefully by November they'll be turning dirt."
The school board's proposed $6.6 million project will add 20 classrooms and renovate the cafeteria at Aycock.
Architects have been putting the finishing touches on the plan, which includes two English classrooms, two math classrooms and an additional physical science class and lab, an exceptional children's class and life skills class with institutional kitchen, as well as the dining room expansion and renovation of kitchen space.
Moore said the age group at the school has adapted well to the lunchtime situation, since for many of them it is a welcome break from the academic routine.
"Some will just hang out and talk with their friends," he said. "But even through the years when I was back in the classroom, the kids chose to go out and socialize when it wasn't an issue."
Sophomore Joshua Stoessel usually buys lunch and hasn't had a problem with navigation.
"I just find a seat anywhere," he shrugged.
Classmate Carl Jackson said last year he often ate outside, but his choice was mostly based on where his friends were.
The principal said there are designated areas for students who opt not to gather in the cafeteria -- the lobby at the entrance and outside in front of the school.
Hanging out near the office Monday were 10th-graders Brittany Williams, Britney Sawkiw and Taylor Hales, not a morsel of food in sight.
"Maybe I'll have a snack when I get home," Taylor said.
Brittney said she usually brings a snack to school.
"I eat all the time," she said.
The classmates said it wasn't too bad in the cafeteria at that point but becomes more crowded during the later periods "because all the popular kids eat in there."
Despite its being a rainy day, nearly two dozen students found a spot under the shelter near the entrance.
"I go through the line sometimes, but it's not that good," said 10th-grader Diamond Jones of the cafeteria option.
"I just come here and talk to my friends," said her classmate, Janaylor Jones.
Christian O'Quinn, a senior, embraced all options.
"I usually go in the cafeteria. I eat pretty fast, that's normal for me, and after I finish eating, I usually go into the library and read," he said, adding that he comes outside, "when I want to associate with friends and talk with someone."