Image provided by: West Linn High School; West Linn, OR
About The amplifier. (West Linn, Oregon) 1921-current | View Entire Issue (Oct. 1, 2007)
îfi07 3 Forum Scheduling mishaps m ay be avoidable , N icholas A rntz ____________ Copy Editor On the first day of school, regardless of how you feel about being back, it is somewhat exciting to discover what classes you have and count the number of friends in each class that will make the year easier. Maybe you already knew what classes you would have, because you checked your student e-mail at the end of last year. Then again, maybe you didn't, and all of this is new to you. But what's this? "I didn't sign up for this," and "they didn't even give me a math class," students, this is no walk in the park. The computer decides all of our fates, at least for the next school year, by taking all of our requests, and trying to create schedules that are best for the majority of the students. We assume that we will automatically receive the classes we requested, however, classes change every year, depending on how many students wish to take certain classes. As students, we actually decide what classes are scheduled for the next year. The new C.O.R.E. class came from student voices, as did the extra Fiber and course descriptions online throughout the year, a great tool to take advantage of because you can decide what classes you might want to consider well before forecasting begins. Most importantly, pay attention to your counselors, especially when they come to talk in your classes and during the assemblies. You can also schedule pre-forecasting appointments to make sure you have all of your credit requirements. We are very fortunate to be able to experience this semi-college atmosphere. Most schools don't even allow their students to "It’s not as restricted. I like the fact that you can eat outside for lunch." Anna Stapleton "You have a lot of passing time. I think the classes are more fun and interesting. There is more variety. You get to meet more people." — Jake McLoughlin ?nt Bailey, sophomore, and Kathy Logan, administrative assistant, revise his schedule, post mini-arena. Schedule changes have occurred after mini arena, but for the most part, all changes were corrected and finalized during the first two weeks of school. Photo by Malia Chong can be heard. The sounds of disappointment and frustration, growing louder and louder with each bus-load of students, can only mean one thing... Mini Arena. These two words cause teachers and students alike to cringe from the horror of the nightmare that is "schedule changing." From the student's perspective, we believe that our schedules should already be flawless. We should have every class we want, with our first choice classes filling up our day, and for many of us, early release or late arrival. However, after receiving my schedule, I was left to wonder, "what is Fiber Arts, and what happened to my early release?" I then realized that I had my work cut out for me, with all but two of my classes needing to be changed. We are frustrated, with our brains racing, wondering, "will I get the classes I scheduled for, or will they already be full? Then what?" As students, we don't fully realize what a big deal forecasting really is. Forecasting is an eight imQnth process, involving ^j^rybody associated with the school. With 1,550 Arts periods. Therefore, teachers are moved around to accommodate the needs of the students. So, what can we do to make the forecasting and scheduling process easier? First, don't assume anything. Classes are not necessarily going to be during the same period as before. And, don't assume that just because you didn't sign up for a class, you won't like it. But also make sure you like the classes and electives you schedule for (even your second and third choices), because you might get them! Additionally, you can check out class choose their own classes, let alone decide what classes will be offered. Schedule changes are usually fixed within the first two weeks of school, while in other schools, students are still trying to complete their scheduling well into the first semester. "We have the best kids in the entire world, and we want them to have fun and enjoy their classes. The students come first," Kim Carlson, Assistant Principal, said. I truly believe that the staff tries really hard to help us grow, and make high school a great experience for each and every one of us. What have you liked most about high school so far? "I like how there are a lot more opportunities. You can do clubs and sports. There is something for everyone." Program needs fine tuning Uni Q ret»__________________a continued from page 2 I remember not knowing how to sign up for a counseling appointment and being completely terrified of the block schedule. It seems as if Link „ Crew merely needs to be tweaked and fine-tuned to provide more useful activities. I know the desire to help is there. A number of surrounding high schools have a preliminary day of school devoted to freshmen. That way, the freshmen can easily find their classes and navigate the halls without the pressure of 1,000 other students. Link Crew is meant to make the incoming freshmen feel welcomed, not demoralized and even more frightened. It is a great idea and the people who administrate it have their hearts in the right places. The curriculum merely has to be adjusted for the audience. With revisions, this great idea could realize its full potential. Meeting new people. You get a fresh start. If people don’t know you, then you can make new friends.” Julie Olson
