With the new school year in full swing, the students of Northwood have noticed numerous changes. From the new principal, new teachers, new laptops, to new school policy changes, these additions have led to many questions. The end of the semester marks exam time for students, and the opportunity to be exempt from certain elective exams has traditionally helped students maintain positive spirits. In previous years, students were informed by administration that if they received an “A” with three absences, a “B” with two absences, or a “C” with one absence from a class, they were eligible to be exempt from that class’s exam. The policy was changed two years ago, requiring all Chatham County School students to take all exams, including electives. Northwood was the last school to enforce the policy.
“I can’t speak for other schools, but I was told that this is a countywide policy,” Principal Bradford Walston said. “I don’t know the full research-based rationale for this policy being set in place, but I assume it is because schools can only exempt a certain amount of students.”
This new policy is not sitting well with the student population and is raising new concerns about increased absences.
“Having to take all our exams definitely erases the desire to never be absent,” junior Jasmine Sedaghtzadeh said.
Some students feel that for certain classes, taking an exam is pointless.
“There is no reason for us to take an exam for a class like dance,” junior Hannah Kanapkey said. “Especially when I have a good grade in the class and I have done well all year.”
One less disputed change is the cell phone policy for students. Students use their lunchtime to catch up with friends and social media. The new policy allows students the use of their phones at lunch and in the hallways during class changes.
“At first I was unsure about the new policy,” English teacher Kathleen Greenlee said. “Overall I think it is has reduced students’ impulse to look at their phones during class.”
The goal of the policy is to reduce cell phone use during teacher instruction in the classroom. Many students enjoy being able to put in their earbuds en route to their next class.
“Most students have a cell phone, therefore, everyone can benefit,” Sedaghtzadeh said. “I like using my headphones in the hallway because it is just so loud.”
Change is often difficult. When it comes to school policies, students don’t always agree. “I am not concerned about these policy changes; things change for a reason,” Greenlee said. “It will take some time, but students will eventually get used to the changes being made.”
— By Caroline Conte
