Image provided by: West Linn High School; West Linn, OR
About The amplifier. (West Linn, Oregon) 1921-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 1, 2011)
4_________________________________ Forum___________________________ February Freshman dance attendance policy not a rule, but culture C hrisann K im ______ Cinderella entered the grand ball, dressed and beautiful, but without a date. However, high school is not a Disney princess movie in which all the girls in the kingdom are invited to the dance. At WLHS, two out of the three dances are open to all grades, while Prom is reserved for juniors and seniors unless they bring a freshmen or sophomore date. By culture, some upperclassmen make freshmen feel like they are not allowed to attend Winter Ball. However, freshmen have always been allowed to go to Winter Ball, according to Aaron Downs, assistant principal. It is a school policy that freshmen can go, but it remains an unspoken rule. 1 didn't attend any of the dances when I was a freshman, not even Homecoming. Since policy about freshmen being able to attend Winter Ball was not well advertised, I never knew I could have gone. I never thought it was considered such a big deal as a freshman. Although Winter Ball is open to all grades, according to policy, I think Winter Ball should be kept for sophomores, juniors and seniors. Juniors and seniors can have Prom. "Being a freshman is tough, but so is life, and so they can wait a year just like everyone else had to," Tara Galloway, sophomore, said. "It's just a respect thing and respecting those who have put in time is important. You don't play in the Super Bowl if you're a rookie after all." Some upperclassmen are annoyed by the freshmen and the rest of us learn to live with them. I agree that some freshmen are immature; I mean, they just graduated from middle school. Upperclassmen want the respect of freshmen and freshmen tend to give upperclassmen such respect. The ability to attend Prom, for seniors, ties into the entire "respect" aspect. "Being in high school does not automatically entitle you to all of its privileges. Freshman year is one part whine and two parts realizing that your fuzzy little pre-adolescent bubble just burst into an environment to which you must adapt," Emma Kennard, sophomore, said. "Restrictions are necessary to help them grow and accept the unbalanced Photos by Laurel Massaro reality of actual living." Freshmen year does come with certain restrictions, including not being permitted to attend Prom. They should stay away from Prom and Winter Ball and take Homecoming for themselves. Freshmen are welcome to break tradition. Attending Prom is not recommended and is against the rules. But if freshmen have junior or senior dates, by all means, take advantage of it and go. Upperclassmen: be appreciative of your privileges: Freshmen: cross your fingers and hope time flies. & Kerri Ann Garfield Photography Montage by Patrick Sluiter ’’Classy Night” was the theme of Winter Ball which was held on Jan. 15 at the Melody Ballroom in downtown Portland. Tickets cost $25 in advance and $30 at the door and included free refreshments and fruit. Core classes prove to be vital for well rounded students mm, continued from page 3 In one way or another, English, math, social studies and science all connect and relate to one another. As dif ferent as English and science may seem, aspects of each subject can help in the other. For instance, constructing a gram m atically correct formal lab in chemistry will earn a higher grade. Infor mation from one subject can help students comprehend inform ation from another according to West. So often, students who think they know exactly what they want to spend their lives doing change majors or find other interests in different subjects. Exposure to a range of different subjects broadens job opportunities, especially for students entering the work world. M any stu d ents do not know w hat they w ant to study. Core classes allow them to explore different subjects. Having a solid edu cation in a variety of subjects opens more job options. To earn a bachelors degree, it is mandatory to take specific classes which include core subjects both within and out of your major. Taking core classes may seem unnecessary for those who want to pursue a career in only one subject, but there are several good reasons to keep with it. To continue studying a certain subject, grades in all subjects can affect class schedules. Not everyone can excel in all subjects or have the same level of enthusi asm as others for particular topics, but understanding the purpose of learning all subjects and making an ef fort is important.
