Photo credit: Gabby Kaplan

Autumn Walker (’27) poses with her mango smoothie from Belwood Bakery during lunch Tuesday, Sept. 24. “Belwood has fantastic smoothies, if I need a sweet treat halfway through the day,” Walker said.

With the student handbook signed and a craving for restaurant food filling the air, students traveled across Sunset Boulevard to the Brentwood Village, utilizing their “across the street” privileges.

Beginning Monday, Sept. 23, students from 10th to 12th grade were allowed to go across the street at different times during the day. Sophomores may go across during lunch only; juniors may go across during lunch and FLX block; seniors may go across any time they do not have class.

Sophomore Autumn Walker crossed the street for the first time ever last week. She reflected on her favorite lunch places so far.

“I’m a huge fan of Belwood Bakery, Soom Soom — the Mediterranean place — and Starbucks,” Walker said. “I really like the hummus from Soom Soom.”

As a senior, Mia Vosicher (’25) has gone across to the Brentwood Village for two years now. She said that being with her friends in a more public, social setting fosters connections.

“I feel like sometimes it gets a little isolating being at school in the same place every day,” Vosicher said. “Setting a change of pace by going across and having lunch with my friends, whether that be to celebrate after a final, or just because you have a free together, is really enjoyable.”

Clark Street Bakery is a favorite amongst many Archer students. Sophomore Ava Binder said she loved going across and ordering their matcha drink. Binder said she feels fortunate to experience independence within school hours.

“I feel very lucky to have this privilege to go across the street,” Binder said. “I think it’s really cool.”

Tenth Grade Dean of Culture, Community and Belonging Tracy Poverstein said one of her go-to places is Belwood Bakery. She said she does not buy lunch across often, but the mixed soup at Belwood is something she loves.

“When I have time, I like a mixed soup at Belwood,” Poverstein said. “Yes, that is the secret; it’s not on the menu but instead of tomato soup or vegetable soup, you can ask for a mixed soup and they’ll put half of each in.”

Poverstein has experienced “across the street” privileges at Archer for 25 years. She said that Archer periodically revises its safety system and rules for going across the street. Last school year, Archer installed a School Pass system with student and faculty OneCards to ensure everyone on campus is accounted for.

When considering the downsides to crossing the street for lunch, Walker said she often worries that she will not get back to school in time, due to long lines upon checking back into campus.

“A lot of the time, the lines are really long because of how many Archer girls go across right now,” Walker said. “Sometimes I’m scared that I’m not going to get back in time to eat my food before class.”

Reflecting on her early years of going across, Vosicher said going across the street helped her gain independence, when she first earned the privilege as a sophomore. She said it also helped her obtain budgeting skills.

“I just felt more independent, and I felt like I needed to start making smarter decisions because it wasn’t just about being able to walk across, but also managing my money,” Vosicher said. “So, making sure that I wasn’t overspending but also doing enough to balance my enjoyment with being at school.”

Poverstein said going across is not just about buying food or drinks. She said going across the street allows students to navigate aspects of adulthood with their classmates.

“Not everybody has the same budget, and not everybody can afford to go across the street for lunch,” Poverstein said. “I think by talking to your fellow students and keeping the priority on building community and having lunch with your friends, that’s the most important thing.”