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January 10, 2008

Editorial: Stricter policies unfair to some, long-awaited for others

Christina Davies

SALEM — Along with the new renovations done to the building, Salem High has undergone another kind of refacing | the refacing of its old policies. When students entered Salem High School on Sept. 6, little did they know the school's administration had made way for revised, stricter policies that they are definitely planning to enforce. Not too big of a deal for the incoming freshmen, but a major adjustment for the school's Juniors and Seniors, who had become accustomed to Salem High's laid-back environment.

The new policies include the new attendance policy (stating a student would receive a failing grade if they are unexcused from a class three times), the new late policy (any tardy student will receive a administrative detention that afternoon), the new lobby policy (students are forced to wait in the lobby until 7:12 a.m.), students must wear their school IDs around their necks at all times or will face consequences, and there is no longer homeroom between first and second period. So what's the deal, Salem High School? There's not much separating it from a new, effective learning environment to a state penitentiary.

As the end of the first quarter approached, students were definitely feeling the effects of the new policies. They were rushing to their housemasters to get their absences and tardies excused in order to avoid an administrative failure grade in their classes. It's a terrifying reality, but Salem High School isn't kidding around this time.

To some, mostly the faculty, the policies have been long awaited and they're exactly what the school needs. To others, mostly the upperclassmen, the policies are unfair and impossible to adjust to in a matter of weeks. Luckily for the freshmen, they can remain indifferent and no adjustment to these policies are required.

"I think some of the new policies are pretty stupid," said Miles Hartfelder, a freshman. "But I think some of them are a good idea, especially to stop people from skipping class and being late."

Other students have adjusted well to these changes and are barely affected by the new rules. Owen Grover, Senior class president said, "Well, they are VERY strict, and I can see why some students are getting upset over them, but overall, I think they are a change for the better, we just need some time to adjust to them."

Whether or not you agree with the new policies, it is safe to say Salem High School will see attitude adjustments in the students and faculty alike. For some it's a breath of fresh air and better motivation to follow the rules, but for those who had trouble following these rules in the beginning, it'll just be a rude awakening and an impossible concept to grasp. To the Freshmen and Sophomores: you guys are incredibly lucky, and cherish the fact that you have two or three more years to get used to this. To the Juniors and Seniors: so much for leaving school and going to Bagel World when your teacher is absent.

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