Freshman Requirement Changes

It’s a couple months into the new school year and it’s business as usual; 68 minute classes, seeing friends in the hallway and maybe some homework, the same as it has been for a few years. For freshman this year, the school is full of new classes, people, homework and opportunities. However, these freshmen have a harder four years ahead of them.

This year’s sophomores, juniors and seniors only need 54 credits in order to graduate, and this year’s freshmen need 57. The decision to add these credits was made last spring and was passed through several groups such as the administrative team, the Site Management Council and the school board. According to Principal Paul Neubauer, the reason for this change in credits was to have more students spending time in more classes.

“I think it will get more students in more classes,” said Neubauer, “and will force us to help students transition better and drive us to provide more programming for our students.”

He also talked about the activities credit. This credit will give students credits toward their graduation for participating in activities like Speech, Knowledge Bowl, Debate and other activities throughout the school year. While this opportunity wasn’t around for most students and the graduates of years past, it will probably help these students a lot more.

“It’s good because it encourages people to do more activities,” said freshman Sarah Durkot.

With four years ahead of them and a little higher credit standard, Counselor Jaymie Helle thinks that this class will be successful.

“I think that students will work to where the bar is set or higher,” said Helle.

Freshmen know a lot about the credits they need and the activities credit the new students can receive, and most seem to be unphased by needing the extra three credits.

“I think it wouldn’t be a bad thing if you need three more credits,” said freshmen Joe Blom.

“It forces you to try harder and gives you more of an incentive to do your best, but with the activity credit, needing an extra three won’t be that hard.”