Laura S.
Searching for the right textbook, one of the seniors on reduced scheduling prepares to purchase her public speaking book at Colby Community College's spring enrollment.Three seniors graduate early, numerous other reduce schedules
by Laura S.
January 22, 2008
Being the oldest in the school, walking down the aisle at graduation, receiving a diploma, and part-time scheduling are highlights for seniors at CHS.
Once second semester begins, seniors are able to choose whether or not they want to continue with a full schedule or drop down to five courses, rather than the normal seven. The class of 2008 is the first class which had to pass their Kansas State Assessments in order to reduce their schedules, and from here on out, that will be the standard.
Another option for seniors is graduating early. As long as they have all the required credits needed for graduation, as well as passing the assessments, they can be finished with high school a semester before everyone else.
However, there is one big difference with the class of 2008 than the previous senior classes. Only three of the 75 seniors, Marina G., Austin T. and Shane C., graduated early compared to more than 10 of the 2007 seniors.
But why would seniors opt for
these decisions? By the time they reach their senior year, many
students are needing a change; these two schedule choices can meet
that need.
“I really like reduced scheduling because it gives me an extra hour to sleep in, and that’s a big deal for me,” Aubrette S., sr., said. “It’s pointless to just fill classes we don’t need if we already have all of the requirements.”
Since this was the first year the
school changed the eligibility for reduced scheduling and early
graduation, it may change the way students look at taking their
next assessment.
“It’s a good thing. It gives students and seniors an incentive to do well on their Kansas Assessment tests and to keep their grades up,” Paige S., sr., said.
While many questions are raised as
to what the seniors are doing with their free time and whether or
not it’s a positive choice made by them, the seniors have options
for spending that free time in useful ways. With open hours,
seniors are able to work more hours at their job or take classes at
Colby Community College. Some students graduating early even move
on to the next phase in their lives, such as attending college for
a semester.
“I never knew people could
graduate early, which made me want to,” Marina G. said. “I plan on
moving to Denver to attend a junior college and work.
While most seniors have positive outlooks on their two choices, some of the school staff have a different idea on the issue.
“Initially, I approved of early graduation and part-time scheduling, but we’re finding that the school is missing out on senior leadership. The morale of the school changes once second semester begins, and the seniors are gone both physically and mentally,” Linda Jones, English teacher, said.
“Senior leadership isn’t there. It’s difficult to plan senior meetings and give announcements since everyone is here at different times,” Joni Clark-Leiker, CHS counselor, said. “The junior class becomes the new leader at semester, so spirit is affected since the senior group isn’t there anymore.”
Although the majority of the
senior students are taking advantage of the new options, there are
still some who kept a full seven hour schedule.
“I kept a full schedule because
all of the classes I wanted to take were so spread out, it was
easier to just stay,” Bailey B., sr., said. “My parents also wanted
me to keep all of my hours so I wouldn’t waste time.”
“This is a win-win situation for students. It’s better this year since seniors still need five classes because it isn’t such a culture shock once they get to college. This supports the students because they are still leaving high school with good knowledge,” Clark-Leiker said.
