OHS is starting the 2023-2024 school year strong with the implementation of new policies and reinforcement of the old.
New policies include: mandatory homework, graded classwork, and limited retakes, as well as the integration of stronger repercussions regarding student tardiness. These new concepts are derived directly from OHS’s Behavior Matrix.
“The matrix kind of keeps us in line and gives us ideas, to be able to focus on our academics and not allow the negative behaviors to get in the way [of learning],” said Justin McLain, assistant principal.
These policies have brought forth substantial changes for all members of the OHS community. By connecting everything back to the matrix, teachers and staff can remind students why the new implications matter.
“It’s also nice for teachers because having that visual reminder in our classroom, we can kind of refer to [the behavior matrix] when we talk about expectations and what it means to be an eagle,” said Robin Naylor, Spanish teacher.
Students have various opinions on the new changes. The grading system and test retake adjustments in particular have forced students to prioritize their time, and stay on top of work; a tricky task when pursuing other interests outside of school.
“It definitely does get time consuming because I have to figure out a way, between getting off of work and before I have to go to bed to find a way to do my homework so I can keep my grades up,” said Ava Reeths, senior.
When students are busy with work, sports, extracurricular activities, and trying to maintain some aspect of their mental health, studying and schoolwork can become an unnecessary burden.
“I have [theater] rehearsals until 5:30 and then I have to go home and do all my homework,” said Sophia Worley, junior. “Sometimes it’s overwhelming.”
Completion of classwork and homework is highly beneficial for one’s grade. Last year, with only assessments and projects being graded, students lost sight of the overall learning process.
“It’s really encouraging students to remember that practice and coursework, those things are important. They help you do better on assessments,” Naylor said.
This year, students are also facing more serious repercussions for arriving late to class. However, certain factors are out of the student’s hands.
“I think [the tardy policy] is kind of extreme,” Reeths said. “You can’t control the traffic our school has, or if there’s bad weather, you can’t control being late.”
As the school year continues to progress, students have been able to adapt to the challenges of passing periods and get to their classes quicker and more efficiently.
“There are ways to not get traffic jammed by people in the halls. I think that at the beginning of school it’s a lot worse, but people know where they’re going now,” Worley said.
All things considered, the future looks bright this year at OHS. With the new policies keeping everyone on track, students are able to focus on what matters most as they are constantly reminded what it is to be an eagle.
“The main thing is the main thing; which is student learning,” McLain said.
