Elizabeth Stroud
Administrators tightening up on the uniform policy The bell has rung but half the classrooms are empty. Before the bell even rang teachers were kicking students out of their classes left and right. For many the battle against uniforms is not over. Although the county has required it, many students have not been following the policy all year. Recently the teachers and administration have been cracking down on dress code violations more and more. “I want to enforce the policy, but at the same time students are down there for so long that they miss crucial information,” said English teacher Robert Vickery said. In the beginning of the year many students attempted to protest against uniforms by showing up in their regular clothes. As the year went on, more students began participating in the uniform policy. Once the weather started becoming colder, students began covering up in hoodies and jackets. Which caused a lot of controversy about the uniform policy. It seems many teachers and administration did not know whether or not they should dress code students for not wearing polo’s under their jackets. “I don’t think more students being sent down to building three will make students wear polo’s because it gives them an excuse to leave class,” senior David Hay said. Even before the weather changed, many teachers did not feel comfortable with sending down students to building three, over dress code. Now that uniforms are being more enforced many students are missing out on first period lessons. The sudden tightening up on uniforms has left students stunned. In response to uniform controversies, administration has sent out a document explaining the uniform policy. Many teachers have been taking time in their class in order to go over the document with students. “Administration at this school has their hands tide to. They have a district that is telling them to do this so they have to follow it. They just simply have been given a policy and have to do it,” Vickery said. Although the policy has been hard on students, it is not entirely freedom stripping. Students may now wear black polo’s. Before the school colors were only orange, grey and white. This compromise has left students with something good to say. “ I never thought wearing uniforms was a big deal in the first place, but I think it is nice to have more of an option as well,” junior Tyler Marks said.
Self-analysis
What makes me most proud of this article is the timeliness of it. Administration suddenly enforcing dress code more was a huge shock for students; it left many students outraged and confused. I also liked how I could shed some light onto that situation by including the new polo color (black) students are aloud to wear. In journalism it is important to be very timely. If the topic is not about a recent event then many readers will find it irrelevant. This topic was a great example for timeliness, which is why I think this article demonstrates good journalism. However, I think this article could use a better conclusion. The last paragraph and quote left a positive tone in the article but it did not give a summary at all.
A change for the better The world as we know it is not permanent. Changes must come one way or another and at the rate humanity is going, change needs to come sooner. Many countries have begun making regulations in order to make a difference, not only for the environment and the organisms living in it, but the future. It is important to inform students about these changes in order to encourage the future adults of America to want to make similar changes. An example of a country that has made changes for the better is Sweden. Sweden transforms their recyclable trash into heat and energy. “I heard they are considered to be the number one sustainable country. If America follows in their foot steps then I am sure together we can make a big difference.” senior Chloe Rezac said. Instead of using non-renewable resources like, gas and oil, Sweden transforms plastic into energy. Plastic often ends up in the ocean and our water supply. Transforming plastic into energy gets rid of plastic in a revolutionizing way. “I feel like we should make the same changes as Sweden. There are a lot of benefits in what they are doing,” senior Zulianne Coriano said. America has some great environmental policies; however there has not been a nationwide change. In order to make a better difference Americans will have to make bigger changes. “Making more environmental policies should be a priority because the environment helps the economy thrive as well,” senior Holly Weaver said. New laws and regulations for businesses and daily life may seem extreme but so is the amount of pollution sinking into the oceans. “I am bothered that our current president has not shown any concerns for our environment because we need more laws that will help decrease the amount of plastic gathering in the ocean,” junior Laura Vaughn said. Several countries have begun making regulations in order to discourage citizens from using plastic bags. For example Denmark and Ireland have introduced a tax to retailers for giving out plastic bags. The majority of citizens eventually switched to using reusable bags. “Using a reusable bags may seem like it wont help much but it is that kind of ideology that prevents any sort of change,” Vaughn said.
Self-analysis
I like that this article centralizes a very worldwide topic. It shows how students (who are the potential voters and elected official) think and what changes they want for this country. This topic has plenty of variety in the sentence length and good quotes. I think it is good journalism because it brings attention to a very impactful topic and teaches readers something that they may have not already known. I wish this article had a more catchy title and better ending. I often forget to summarize the article in the final paragraph.
Final Advice for Your Final Goodbye For twelve years you have held on for this moment. Behind every test, lesson and assignment was the door to your graduation day. Soon you will finally open it and step into a whole new world. Before every big moment in life there are always those stereotypical pieces of advice given by everyone who can hold your ear long enough. “I am not worried about my future outside of school because I have always made right choices,” senior Matt Paladay said. Although it may seem like common sense, most of the time the advice people try to give are actually commonly needed, so listen. For those who are going to college right away, there is only so much those teachers can prepare you for. With every assignment given teachers have taught you how to work and use your time wisely, but what about your money? “Beware of student loans and credit cards; Loans. Only take what you really need, nothing will absolve you of that debt, not even death,” English teacher Ryan McKerley said. “Guard your credit like it were a crowned jewel, because it is.” After graduation it may seem like all work and no play. Besides college, a job is the next big step after graduation. The worst part about a job is looking for one. “It took me a while to find a job. I applied to a few places and even when I thought I had a chance I still didn’t get hired,” Senior Kaylee Worth said. After you get a job and you have worked there for a while the job seems to grow old. Sometimes it gets harder to stay responsible and show up, but do not feed into those feeling. Just do it. “Adult life is the realm of utter responsibility and accountability,” John Hughes said. “In high school, breaking the rules amounts to a slap on the wrist, but as an adult it can result in fines, jail, loss of a job.” Nonetheless, don’t forget to live life in a way that will give fond memories. College, debt and work do not have to be all there is in your future. After a long day of work do what makes you happy. “Enjoy the time that you are experiencing right now. If you’re always looking forward, you will miss out on a lot of great experiences that are happening right now,” Said Robert Kestory.
Self-analysis
I chose this article because it was a good topic and I think it was well written. I like the quotes I received from this article and I think it is a good example of journalistic writing because it is timely, has quotes and interesting. What I think makes it interesting is the advice teachers give. The advice coming from their teachers made it much more interesting because it came someone they may know. If I could improve this article in any way I would give it a summary paragraph.