The updates to the Commons have changed the way Ladue students eat, drink, and socialize. Only a year ago, there was blue carpeting, the Ram Shack to sell spirit wear, long cafeteria lines and vending machines.
Now, the school has replaced the blue carpet with white marble flooring, and the new Outtakes station in the Commons has been introduced to eliminate inconveniences for students buying lunch at school. This new lunch stand sells quick meal options and snacks. Outtakes sells salads, cookies and other snacks, and various beverages, such as Powerade and V8. This stand has decreased cafeteria lines due to some students buying lunch via the

Commons.
Also, new additions have been made to the already existing vending machines, now offering healthy options, including string cheese, animal crackers and yogurt.
For those who find hanging out  in the Commons enjoyable, the changes came as a welcome surprise. Some students who spend their mornings in the Commons are glad to see that the carpet gone.
“Me and my friends like to sit on the floor in the mornings most of the time,” junior Briana Kyles said. “Don’t ask me why; it’s just something we’ve done since freshman year. … It’s just nice to know that I am not sitting on some carpet that was stepped on by students for the past 50 years.”
Although freshmen were not present long enough to see the Commons prior to the changes, many appreciate its benefits. Many elements of the Commons were not present at the middle school.
“I like the vending machines most of all,” freshman Yafet Asefa said. “They didn’t have this many options in the middle school. Now I can stay after school and have a snack. It’s worth waiting for the busses.”
However, some people are not as appreciative. A few students feel that this year’s improvements to the Commons are excessive. Concerns have arisen that the high school spends too much money on items that are not necessary for students and their education.
“I don’t really think it was all that necessary,” junior Ruth Abraha said. “We could have just changed the flooring and been done with it. I don’t think anyone cares if we have a touch screen vending machine or a regular one.”
Assistant principal Ellen Duncan believes the changes in the Commons are aesthetically pleasing to view, but also that they are necessary for the school.
“The changes have made the Commons so much nicer,” Duncan said. “The floor looks much better. I think it was worth it.” #