Many changes have occurred during the 2023-2024 school year. One of those changes have been on holding students more accountable for their grades, attendance, and behavior with their opportunity to attend school events and games.
According to the Bluebird athletic’s social media page , a post was made stating that there are expectations from our Principal Armstrong and Coach Ruocco, Kenwood’s athletic director when attending any KHS home games. “In order to attend, students should have no more than 2 E’s , no suspensions, no more than 5 unexcused absences , and lastly you must purchase tickets an hour before games begin.” Meaning, students will not be able to attend games and show support to their school if the following expectations are not met.
Some find this a fair and just consequence for not being on task in school; while, others, probably students not doing what they’re suppose to be doing, find it unfair.
Attending high school games is a privilege to students to give them the opportunity to interact and socialize with others and their friends. Mrs. Mariner , a Kenwood High School teacher stated, “Kids need to be reminded that we are here to go to school and learn, not to go to a social club. Athletics are not a benefit.”
Athletics and school activities are a privilege to earn. Most, particularly teachers think the requirements of having no more than 2 E’s, no suspensions , and no more than 5 unexcused absences is a good idea because it reinforces students should be focused on their grades and schoolwork before they think of socializing with others after school.
Although this might make the Kenwood student community upset , Kenwood staff just want to see students be successful with their education. Now that these requirements have been given out, it’ll be interesting to see if this motivates students to attend school, be on task, and get their grades up.
Kenwood senior Daniel O feels that these requirements are needed, thinking hopefully it’s motivate students to not receive failing grades. Daniel adds, “ It definitely will motivate others because a lot of students like to socialize therefore, it will motivate them to stay in class and get good grades so they’re able to participate in activities after school with their friends.”
Like Mrs Mariner stated previously , students should not be attending school to socialize, but this is a common reason children come. Students rather come to school for friends rather than to get their education. Students would not want to miss out on activities with their friends therefore, these requirements will be the only motivational source that will cause them to do what they need to do in school to attend school activities.
Though socializing and school activities are a part of the high school experience, some students seem to be struggling to remember why they attend school in the first place. According to Fox Baltimore, “Baltimore County Schools are slipping to alarmingly low levels in student performances.” There’s obviously a need to hold students accountable in some way for attending and being on task so they can get the grades they need to pass and graduate.
“I think this is fair because schools want to see their graduation rates to go up. And it is fair because what is the point of attending school everyday to not be passing?” Daniel adds.
Students need to come to the realization that we are here in school to learn, and look at these new guidelines as a way to ensure we get ourselves and our education on track so we can succeed.
