Sierra Pacific High School’s new policies are set to have stricter requirements for extracurricular, citizenship, academic and off-campus eligibility this school year. These pillars of school itself are often taken for granted, which causes students to forget what a privilege it is to have these experiences. Nonetheless, these recently developed rules shouldn’t prevent students from participating in the activities that they love.
Principal Jamie Rogers released a reminder of these fresh regulations in a slideshow at the beginning of the school year. The slideshow basically breaks down the ineligibility criteria and what it takes to be eligible. Not following these rules can result in ineligibility, taking away a student’s freedom at their center of learning.
Academics have always been the core of being eligible but under certain circumstances, the policy can be unfair. For example, a student with a 4.0 GPA could miss a week of school due to being sick or on a vacation. This could cause the student to miss a couple big assignments which may drop their grades to an F. A life outside of school is way more important to a student’s mind than a strict deadline assignment. Having below a 2.0 GPA or more than one F makes a student ineligible, moreover proving the point that this policy is a bit harsh.
Showing up to school and being there is very important as well. At the same time, It shouldn’t be as severe as the other components in the ineligibility criteria. Nowadays, most assignments in class are completed digitally on a chromebook, meaning that students can easily complete their work at home. Less than 90% attendance is uncompromising, considering life is unpredictable for everyone. Not being allowed seven or more tardies is also rather punishing.
Students facing waking up late, traffic and abrupt accidents are all things that nobody can control so why are we penalizing them for things everybody deals with, even teachers. Students are able to attend Saturday school to make up for those tardies and absences yet weekends are supposed to be a time to rest.
Grading periods are six weeks long, something that may seem extensive but it really isn’t. Time flies like nothing and situations are uncertain, students may get suspended for whatever reason. Any suspension within this six week period will result in ineligibility for the next grading period. This type of discipline is immensely unreasonable.
People make mistakes and decisions they regret everyday, especially high school students. They’re overflowing with hormones and emotions, reflecting in their choices. Students’ faults shouldn’t be so focused on and prevent them from partaking in activities everyone else does.
Students on a credit recovery contract are also bound to these unfair policies. If they are not making progress in their credit recovery for example, not attending zero hour or summer school, they are now ineligible. A contract is a contract but it shouldn’t be so inflexible. Many teenagers face motivation blocks, stopping them from doing what they need to do. The current ineligibility policies unfairly penalize students without mentioning the underlying issues, highlighting the need for a better school system.