Date: Fri 16-Feb-1996

Publication: Bee

Author: STEVEB

Quick Words:

schools-senior-privilege

Full Text:

High School Senior Privilege Policy Questioned

B Y S TEVE B IGHAM

If you're a Newtown High School senior and have a study hall scheduled for

first period, you don't have to report for school until your first class. And

if you don't have an eighth period class, you're free to leave after seventh.

That's been the NHS policy for a long time, but some members of the Board of

Education believe the policy may be sending the wrong message to students by

encouraging them to leave school early rather than sign up for more courses.

Though it's doubtful the school board will act on the issue any time soon,

members have been discussing the policy's philosophical intent and how it

plays out in everyday school life. In fact, the board has asked NHS Principal

Bill Manfredonia, a supporter of the policy, to complete a report on senior

privilege and its effectiveness.

The issue surfaced recently while board members Amy Dent, Peggy Ulrich Nims

and Isabelle Murray were making a comprehensive review of the school system's

current policies.

Mrs Ulrich-Nims points out that Newtown's schools are in the business of

educating students and believes senior privilege may go against that.

"I think it's worth considering that we reconsider it," she said Tuesday. "I

think we should encourage students' presence in school; not their absence."

However, Mrs Ulrich-Nims said she wants more information about the policy from

NHS administrators before considering any kind of change.

Mr Manfredonia said senior privilege has worked well at NHS.

"I want to continue with senior privilege. I think seniors are extremely

responsible in the way they use it," he said.

Board member Susan Hills believes senior privilege provides positive choices

for Newtown's seniors. She points out that most students will have to make

decisions about what classes to take on their own once they head off to

college.

"I really feel we have to let the students go and let them make choices on

their own about what they want to do," Mrs Hills explained.

Superintendent of Schools John R. Reed said he supported keeping the policy

intact, especially with the current overcrowding at the school. He also

believes the increased course load requirements at NHS in recent years have

made the issue a moot point in many cases.

Dr Reed said NHS surveyed 50 former students over Thanksgiving break last

November and none of those polled said senior privilege had a negative effect

on them in college.