Have you ever been stuck in long Atlanta traffic? The kind of traffic that somehow takes almost an hour to get through. One minute you’re cruising, everything is fine, and the next minute, you’re completely stopped on the highway because suddenly nobody knows how to drive. It’s crowded, people are moving slowly, and nobody can merge into other lanes without causing a minor meltdown. It’s chaotic.
That same exact chaos happens at school. Hallway traffic at Lakeside is basically a mini version of Atlanta traffic, minus the honking. A lot of things cause hallway traffic: the slow walker who moves like they’re on vacation, the group of friends stopped in the middle of the hallway, the PDA couple strolling like they’re on a romantic movie set, and, of course, the small building we’re all jammed into.
So today, we’re here to fix that problem by teaching you hallway etiquette. But before we get started, let’s address the issues beyond our control.
Lakeside serves over 2,000 kids and is known to have the largest enrollment in DeKalb schools, yet we ended up with the smallest building. While other schools have actual castles, three-story wings, and even four-story wings, here we are, crammed into a hallway that feels like it was built for an ant.
Honestly, the building itself is probably the biggest issue, but it’s not the only one. Some of the chaos is on the students, too. Now it’s time to lay down a few simple rules. Welcome to Hallway Etiquette 101.
Rule Number 1: Keep Moving Always
Slow walkers, you are not the main character! We see you, and it can be challenging for others when you walk slowly. The hallway is not a slow-motion scene. Try to keep moving at a steady pace. Everyone has a class to attend, and slower walking can delay others’ valuable education.
Rule Number 2: No stopping in the middle of the street
Never stop in the middle of the hallway. If you’re waiting for someone, move to the side and don’t block traffic. Designated areas, such as classrooms or near the bathrooms, are better places to stay. Avoid stopping for conversations, too. If you absolutely must talk, keep moving, text, or catch up later. Remember, everyone’s trying to get somewhere, and blocking the hallway slows everyone down.
Rule Number 3: No PDA
First, let’s define PDA: it stands for public display of affection, like kissing, hugging, or holding hands in the hallway. Couples, we get it: you care about each other, and you’re together. But please, don’t make everyone else uncomfortable by making out in the hallway or the lockers. School isn’t a dating playground, save the affection for after 3:10
Rule Number 4: Stay on one side of the road
Stick to your side of the hallway, just like you would on a road. If you’re on the right, stay on the right; if you’re on the left, keep to the left. This way, everyone gets where they’re going without crashing into each other.
Rule Number 5: Never block entry points
Staircases, doors, and bathrooms are essential for keeping traffic moving. Think of them as highway exits; never block them. If you stop at these entry points, you risk causing a pile-up.
Always follow these rules, pay attention, and maybe we can all get to where we need to go a little bit faster.
