If you were at the same place of employment for five years, would it feel right if someone new stepped on the job and was treated similarly to yourself? After putting in time as an honest, tireless employee, it would only be fair to be rewarded with certain privileges. Dean of Students,Tom Broderick, talks about a “social capital” at Northwood. This is a great concept – it gives leeway to kids who have been respectful citizens at Northwood by taking past behavior into account. This system is a “safety net” catching honorable pupils when they slip. Social Capital, or our newly devised safety net, has a fatal flaw: it provides no benefits only second chances. It seems that at Northwood, only poor behavior is noticed. Many people fail to notice the students who respect the core values and work diligently in their studies.
Many students at Northwood feel that privileges should be awarded to the mature role models of the school. A senior who demonstrates rigor in his or her studies shouldn’t be treated the same way a freshman or sophomore is treated. It is more efficient for faculty to be checking up on students who need supervision, rather than wasting their time checking up on responsible seniors. During the fourth year of high school, a student has already developed independent study habits. Vice President of the Student Council Dillon Smith claims it “embarrassing” that “we are treated the same way as freshman at our school.”
In college, freshman have trouble allocating their time wisely because they were not introduced to this freedom the previous year. A senior should have the liberty to make these choices at Northwood, with so-called “senior privileges.” These privileges could include something as simple as having the ability to skip a study hall or close your door during this time.
Whatever these privileges may be, esteemed Northwood teacher, Steve Reed, claims that they “should be earned, not given to all seniors,” by “maintaining certain averages,” and “meeting their obligations.”
If a student can take care of his or her work to the satisfaction of the faculty, then they should be granted certain privileges. We are sick and tired of the lack of trust that we deserve, and we’re above the babysitters that peer over our shoulders while we work.
