The topic of school conversation lately has involved personal appearance and the pressures of conforming with the new dress code. Yet attention should be given to the appearance of our school. So far this year, it hasn’t received the tender loving attention that it deserves.

It’s true that we are living amid construction of new portions of the school. But that’s no excuse for the shaggy grounds away from the construction.

Most every day, groundskeepers are seen on their green John Deere tractors, weaving around the hoards of students that take to the outside to shave off seconds between classes in different buildings. Yet, the grounds are not picturesque. They are less than appealing. No lush, vibrantly growing green grass in sight, instead, it’s a landscape of dingy brown and assorted pieces of trash.

It’s unclear what ground the groundskeepers may be keeping, but it is clear that it is not ours. Merely mowing the grass or shoveling the snow will not beautify the school. Beautifying requires greater attention to details, such as trimming hedges, edging and sweeping.

If the learning environment can affect the learning performance of students, taking a close look outside may possibly explain why some aren’t giving their all. A few flowers can only improve the look of this place. The problem is not with our dress, the problem resides outside, during those few moments we are allowed to enjoy the grounds between classes.

What’s even more unacceptable is that the memorial for the Vietnam War student veterans is in disarray. The memorial stands unadorned, surrounded not by vibrantly growing flowers and plants but by twigs and dirt. Hardly a proper tribute to those soldiers who attended this school and fought for our beloved country.

Now that the snow has fallen, the signs of neglect have been covered up. However, that’s only temporary. Once the spring thaw comes, it will become all too apparent that the grounds are in need of serious attention.

On your next stroll through campus, take a look at that greenhouse. That would be a good place to start the cleanup process.