by Caera Horne
The senior privilege this year has changed from previous years. “Until this year, parents could sign a form giving their child permission to leave campus for lunch or period ten study hall,” said assistant principal Denise Fuhrman.
“That was the only time seniors could leave, and so opening up the campus allows seniors to leave any study hall, not just period ten. In addition, we made it easier for students to take college classes,” she said.
The privilege has changed for a number of reasons, one being the increasing size of the upcoming freshmen classes.
Additionally, increased freedom for seniors will better prepare them for college. Fuhrman said that graduates often report feeling unprepared to handle the freedom of college.
Taking college courses can be better for students this year and the upcoming years because they get high school credits and college credits and students can get a feel of the new experience that is college.
The new privilege is not just about academics. These new freedoms allow the upperclassmen to leave school more often than before. Fuhrman said, “I think students will enjoy being treated more maturely, but we all know that with freedom comes responsibility. I do believe that more students will step up to take care of their responsibilities.”
Several seniors taking blended and college courses commented on the new privilege and how different these courses are. “It’s way more independent work and you have to be responsible in teaching yourself and getting the work done on your own time,” said Maddy McIlnay. “ I love this freedom and responsibility. It makes me feel way less stressed and I think it’s preparing me for college.”
On the other hand, Madi Graff feel that these classes are similar to each other. “It is just more independent. You have to make sure on your off days that you still get the work done, but it is nice since it’s on your time,” she said.
“I’m still mixed about it,” Thomas Merkle explained. “I’m barely in school anymore because of my flexible schedule, but it is definitely preparing me for college.”