Vol.4.Issue.1.October.2008 - Edgren High School EagleNet

volume 4 issue 1 Back to School Issue
page 3
Editorial: New School Year, New School Rules
Students harbor conflicting ideas concerning the old and the new policies
By Sarah Zediker and Erin Nicolai
The ’08-’09 school year commenced
in the midst of many changes, some
not as well received as others. Edgren
welcomes new faculty and appreciates
their fresh outlook on the way our
school functions. Suggestions such
as directory signs placed throughout
campus, clearly visible room numbers
over every door, and parking passes
for individuals at the school who regularly
use the lower lot have generally
been acknowledged favorably.
However, true to high school stereotypes,
the feeling of change has inspired
controversial rumors among
the student body. Some proved inconsequential
such as the far fetched
idea that homecoming or activities
associated with that tradition would
be canceled. Others turned out to
be more accurate than most would
have liked.
In particular, changes made to seminar
procedure incited a negative reaction
before they were even implemented.
Now, with a concrete plan
of change in place, grumbles sound
through the halls. For those who are
unclear about the new system, allow
us to fi ll in the blanks. Seminar is now
broken into three different sections:
silent sustained reading followed by
two periods reserved for students to
consult with other teachers. There is a
fi ve minute passing period in between
each section.When students reach
their destination for the 1st or 2nd seminar
period, they are expected to remain
under that teacher’s supervision
until the next passing period.Students
are only permitted in the halls duringpassing
periods unless they are holding
specifi c classroom passes supplied
by their seminar teacher for travel to
the bathroom, their locker, or other
destination.
Thus far, students feel strongly that these
regulations are unjust, and they were not
consulted before these changes were
implemented. However, it is important
to note that there is reason behind these
seminar changes. Last year, the Advisory
Council on Dependent Education (ACDE)
came to Edgren to evaluate the school.
While expressing satisfaction in many aspects
of our school, the team found several
serious faults in our seminar system.
Students were found wasting time doing
unproductive activities such as playing
cards or loitering in the halls under the
pretence that they were on their way to
a teacher, restroom, or locker. Certain
teachers failed to offer proper supervision
by using seminar as their personal time to
catch up on some sleep. This behavior
was deemed incongruous with seminar’s
true purpose which is to provide needed
time for students to study and focus on
their school work. The ACDE team cited
this as a major issue, and Edgren was
asked to make radical changes in order
to maintain its accreditation.
This is why Edgren students have been
experiencing a new approach to seminar
this year. While recognizing the necessity
for change, the question must be asked if
this is the only or indeed the best alternative
to previous seminar procedure.
Edgren High School prides itself on the
fact that although it is a small school in
a remote location, its students rise above
expectations regarding both test scores
and participation in extracurricular activities.
Because our student body is more
limited than that of larger schools, many
individuals are involved in more than one
activity at a time. These enthusiastic students
often carry the burden of a hectic
schedule, and as a result must work hard
to represent Edgren favorably in their
elective activities and maintain fervor in
their school work. They often put forth
EDITORIAL
tremendous effort to make up work as, in
lieu of such a schedule, missing days of
school at a time is not so uncommon.
These are the individuals who value
their seminar time so much, because
without it, there would not be ample opportunity
to see all of their teachers. Yes,
students are currently able to visit two
separate teachers during their seminar
time; however, when faced with up to
four classes to manage after traveling,
two teachers in a seminar may simply
be inadequate.
Furthermore, not all visits can be prearranged.
Oftentimes students encounter
a baffl ing question while working, and
need to visit a teacher right away. At
other times, students need to speak with
a teacher for only fi ve minutes at a time
to clarify an assignment or ask a specifi c
question. With the new system in place,
students have to commit at least twenty
minutes visiting each teacher and limit
the number of teachers they visit to just
two. While trying to make the seminar
period more effective, these are the
types of problems that could create a
more frustrating system and more wasted
time.
Students at Edgren, while having their
faults, excel in many different ways.
While we appreciate the determination
for improvement exhibited by faculty,
we ask for lenience. Our positive attributes,
and our individuality as a student
body, should be taken into account
when tailoring specifi c procedures like
seminar. We ask that the need for structure
not inhibit the equally signifi cant
need for fl exibility. If we are not allowed
to access all the resources at our fi ngertips,
it is as if our hands have been tied
and bound. True achievement can not
be attained when limitations block the
path to success.
Response from Principal
YOU HAVE SPOKEN AND WE HAVE LISTENED!
By Mr. Arrington
I believe that the students at Edgren are everything that you say and more. Please know that your teachers and
administration believe that there are always situations that merit fl exibility to our “systems”. Though we must always
have a system of accountability in place, it is our desire as well as yours to ensure that there is fl exibility afforded to
those individuals and situations where improvement and highest student achievement are the motive. Please explain
your needs to your seminar teacher and he/she will work with you in determining what available options will best meet
those needs. We will work with you in your efforts for highest achievement whether that is something that can be covered
within the guidelines of the seminar structure or you need something more fl exible.