Pass the Popcorn, Please!

Movie marathon, yet again. We have them at the end of every grading cycle, every pre-holiday and usually in place of a substitute. Our state requires a mandatory number of day be spent in school, perhaps they should require teaching on those days, or provides us with movie passes to local theaters. This week is known as review week (aka do nothing week) Seniors don't need to take the final exams, so we don't. Today one of my teachers wrote every student a pass and kicked us out of the room. We asked him what we were suppose to do? He said it didn't matter. We then asked if he would give us a pass to go home. I know these final days are pointless, but really! How about popping some popcorn and throwing a party instead. How about a rally at the district office chanting "Stop wasting our time!" 3 days remaining...but that's High School.

Graduation Attire

A Senior meeting was called to discuss the proper attire for graduation. "...No tennis shoes, no sandals, no flip-flops and under no circumstances are we to wear heals, ladies." Perhaps a few guys will wear heals since they only mentioned ladies. With so few options, I'm going bare foot...but that's High School.

Is It Quitting Time?

I had a substitute teacher for every class today. Is this how high school ends? Does
the teaching quit with only 12 days left?...but that's High School.

13 days left!

only 13 DAYS LEFT!!.. and the school dicided to up there prison watch and add camras in every hall way, and out side walk way of the school. looks like underclassmen won't have a chance to skip.. but thats high school

Better Late than Never

I was assigned a ten page research paper in English class. I found the research easy and received a B for my efforts. The bibliography, however, was a different story. I've been doing bibliographies the same way for years, therefore I naturally thought I knew how to write them. My misguided confidence earned me a D. I met with my English teacher after school on many occasions which resulted in her asking me to read a book about proper bibliographies. I finally understand and today my re-edited bibliography received an A.
I sure wish I had learned this earlier. Better late than never...but that's High School.

20 Days Left and A Possible Referral

Over the last few weeks I've been making phone calls to colleges and following up on scholarships. These phone calls must be made during regular business hours which also happen to be regular school hours. I've used my time in the locker room to place most of these calls and it's never been a problem. Today, the locker monitor said "I need your phone. You're not allowed to be on it during school hours." I reminded her that she's seen me use my phone everyday in the locker room and it's never been an issue. She demanded I hand her my phone, again. I've known many students who have had their phones taken away and they have never seen them again. The administration tries to assure us they are looking into the matter. I chose to keep my phone and run. This action risks a permanent referral on my transcript. With only 20 days left in high school, a permanent referral for a 'good kid' seems cruel...but that's High School.

"Get Off The Grass"

It's gardening time at our high school. New grass was laid on the patio and administers were all a fuss to keep students off the grass. A sign asking students to stay off the grass would be an obvious solution, but our administration chose to run around like crazy people yelling a soldier's yell at students who dared place a toe on the grass. Upon leaving school today, I noticed a janitorial tire mark on the brand new grass. Oh, no...but that's High School.

Zzzz, The Bell Rang

While the guys played basket ball in my weight training class; I found a bleacher, rolled my sweatshirt up like a pillow, placed it under my head and fell asleep. If the school was set on fire, or the administration made more rules, or if my teacher was giving any instructions, I have no knowledge of it. Zzzzzz, the bell rang and I went home...but that's High School.

38 Days

Another senior assembly. These assemblies are becoming gatherings for reprimands. What happened to good ol' rallies? The rules are: No cell phone use, no wondering the halls without a pass, no tardies and no skipping, (no smiling, no frowning, no blowing your nose, no blinking, no, no, no...) During the assembly there's NO TEACHING happening. With only 38 days left in our senior year is this really necessary. Some say it's the parents fault, others say it's an increase in crime. When did adding more rules ever help. More rules just equal more trouble, more disciplinary action, more rebellion. I say, identify the problem and deal it individually. 38 days until my sentence is up, 38 days until 'Sweet Freedom'...but that's High School.

Aaahhh, Spring Break!

I'm half way through spring break and so far I've been visiting friends and sleeping, reading books and sleeping, swimming and sleeping, going to the beaches and sleeping, shopping and sleeping, sleeping and sleeping. While some enjoy the parties and being on the go, I prefer to soak in the sun and relax. What are you doing on your spring break?

Caution: Pack A Lunch

Half day. Ya, right! The on-line school calendar says today is a half day. When the morning announcements came over the speaker we were told there was a mistake on the school calendar and today is a full regular scheduled day. How can they change their minds last minute? You all know my opinion of the wasted half days and how I usually stay home to study; tricked again, some could say. I did not pack a lunch (since it was to be a half day) and had to call mom to bring money. School lunch has always smelled awful and I have packed my lunch all year, until now. I ordered a taco salad which looked like a small bowl of wilted lettuce covered in dried meat and tasted like burnt popcorn so I threw it out and decided on pre-packaged peaches with a carton of milk. I've learned a new lesson; come prepared with lunch no matter what...but that's High School.

Sick at (of) School

I woke this morning with a flaming throat, but decided to push through the day because I had missed an entire week of school last week attending Teen Pact. By the end of third period my head was pounding, my muscles were sore and the fact that I was shivering in 80 degree weather signaled a fever. My teacher allowed me to go to the nurses office, but the nurse said she wasn't allowed to check my temperature or administer medicine. No medicine, no thermometer, no band aids, no phone? No clue what the nurses are there for. She told me to rest and I fell asleep through fourth period; then the nurse woke me up and told me I had to go to lunch. "I'm not hungry. I don't want to eat. I just want to rest until I can be picked up." I replied. The nurse said I had been there long enough and sent me on my way. Apparently, students visit the nurses office to catch up on the sleep they missed the night before, or to skip class. I suppose it's hard to tell who's telling the truth. Perhaps it doesn't really matter since the nurse can only offer a bed for rest, nothing else. When I returned home, the thermometer read 102.1. I was able to take medicine and sleep without being interrupted. Ahhh, Home Sweet Home...but that's High School.

Teen Pact Leadership Academy

I was granted permission from my school to attend a leadership academy at our State Capitol for an entire week. The leadership academy is for students wanting to know more about our government and impact our country. I heard from House Representatives and Senators; watched them in session; wrote and argued my own bill. The academy placed us in the roles of law makers and provided us with the opportunity to understand our U.S. political system. I was nominated to run for the Leadership Academy Senator position, but in the end I did not receive enough votes and had to accept defeat graciously. I learned more in this one week then I did the entire semester in high school government class. Books can only do so much. Yes, our political system is flawed and at times frustrating. I'm glad to know there are people out there wanting to give students a 'real' chance at success. If our schools were built to resembled banks, courts, congress, kitchens, offices, etc., we all would be better prepared for adulthood and its responsibilities. Imagine, students being prepared to make a difference in our society before graduation. One speaker told us 98% of the U.S. population does not know about our political system or how to get involved. I was given a t-shirt which says "Ignorance is No Excuse/Conquer Your Dreams. I am glad to say I am now part of the 2% and plan to make a difference...but that's High School.

'Crack' Pants

A pair of pants, mysteriously left behind by someone, found their way into my English class. Our teacher picked them up and began going through the pockets for identification. What was suppose to be an attempt at embarrassing the student crazy enough to leave a pair of pants in English class; soon became an embarrassment to our teacher. She warned us she might find something unpleasant and joked about finding a wad of paper with something written on it. When she reached into the back pocket, she pulled out a tiny bag with white powder in it. Our eyes got very big and our mouths shut quickly while she held it up and seemed to ponder what it could be. About 10 seconds later the 'light bulb' in her mind came on and she bolted out of the room like a canon. The police were called and now the mystery of "Who left their pants in English class?' begins...but that's High School.

Am I Locked In or Out?

I had a make up quiz to take today during my lunch hour and as I entered the stairwell to make my way to the third floor, I heard the door lock behind me. Suddenly, I was scared. I had forgotten about the locking of the stairwells during class time. When I grabbed the handle on the third floor door, it didn't move. "Oh, no. It's locked!" I was locked between two floors; in a school which has violently been torched twice. I started to bang on the third floor door frantically; then the second floor door. Back and forth I went until someone heard me and opened the door from the other side. I am thankful for the people skipping class and wondering the halls; without them I would have been stuck in the stairwell for 50 min. If locking the stairwells is for our protection, imagine being locked between floors with the wrong person. Very scary...but that's High School.

Librarian - With a Match - In the Locker Room?

Due to the fire break-outs, the library was closed. Now that the library has re-opened, Princess Ash made her way back to the Castle of Books. Madam Librarian was standing guard at the entrance when Princess Ash arrived. Princes Ash smiled and said hello. "Where's your pass" said Madam Librarian in an unfriendly tone. "Don't you remember me" replied Princess Ash, followed by the showing of her pass. Madam Librarian examined the pass intently and said "This pass is from last semester and unusable this semester." Princess Ash then asked for a pass this semester. 'We are out!" replied Madam Librarian. "It's me, Princess Ash, remember?" With a blank stare on Madam Librarian's face she said again "Pass, please." Princess Ash is currently not allowed into the Castle of Books, again. What is the evil plan of Madam Librarian this time? Maybe it's to burn down the village (school). If this were the game of Clue, I'd guess the Librarian, with a match, in the locker rooms...but that's High School.

Keys, Please...Get Me Out Of Here!

During class the doors leading to the stairwell are locked, then the doors are unlocked between classes. This has created a tardy issue. One tardy equals out-of-school suspension, and it also means you will not be permitted to attend the Prom or any senior activities. On my way to 7th period, a huge crowd formed on the third floor in the stairwell. "What the heck is going on?" I slowly made my way up to the front of the crowd and found the doors locked with only 1 minute left to get to class. Students were banging on the door like victims of the Holocaust. A fellow student came to our rescue and opened the door from the other side. The hall monitors were walking the halls and telling us to hurry to class or we would receive a tardy. Honestly, didn't any of the hall monitor's hear us banging? The classroom doors were a blur as I ran as fast as I could down the hall. I almost tripped before entering my classroom. I heard the bell ring. "OH, NO! Please, please, please don't give me a tardy." I just bought my ticket to Prom. Thankfully, I have an understanding teacher...I have to wonder about the fire code, though. Isn't the stairwell the way out if a fire occurs? Do they expect us to start jumping from the third floor, in panic, if something does happen? Who's making these crazy decisions? I'm becoming more afraid of our administration than the 'school's arson'. How about you?...but that's High School.

Fire in the Hole!

Well wouldn't you know it...the school is under major lockdown. We must all sit in the lunch room during lunch and we are to remain seated until the lunch bell rings. All bathrooms are locked during lunch. If we need to use the bathroom during class we must sign in and out on a log sheet. We were also informed there will be random bathroom checks. My friend had the unfortunate experience of being in the wrong stall at the wrong time. During a random bathroom check, she was in a stall doing her business when she heard someone call for an evacuation of the bathroom. She asked for more time. When she was finished the security guard said she took to long, took her to the front office and searched her and her belongings. My friend told the guard "Maybe if you gave a person time to pee, you wouldn 't have to go through all this trouble." The library is blocked off until further notice. The poetry place is blocked off until further notice. The bathrooms are blocked off until further notice. Until someone confesses this is our punishment for a crime we didn't commit. Why is there not an investigation going on? Why are there not investigators or police interviewing all students? Why are we being denied human rights waiting for someone to confess? Honestly, who would claim ownership to a crime they feel entitled to commit. After all, the schools are running like a prison, we're treated like prisoners. Is there any wonder crimes are being committed...but that's High School.

Arson Again

Testing was scheduled today for under classmen. Seniors were asked to come in late and would have an assembly schedule of 20 min per class. Yesterday teacher's told us nothing exciting would be happening and gave us permission to miss class. Is there ever a time of 'nothing exciting' in high school? Tonight I received a recorded message from my school stating there had been another fire and the entire school was evacuated. I guess it's a good thing I didn't go to school today. What's up with all the fires? IT'S NOT FUNNY! If someone wants to burn down the school building would you please wait until after I graduate. I've been working for more than 12 years to accomplish this goal...but that's High School.

Fire! Fire! Fire!

Wow, a real fire alarm day. Every year the schools hold fire drills preparing us for the real deal. Well we had the real deal. We all wondered the halls on our way outside and joked about another fire drill. Once we were on the field we began to notice something different. The entire faculty was outside. Usually a fire drill is only for students and teachers. After standing on the field for over an hour, yes an hour, three police cars and two fire trucks pulled up to the school. I began to question the decisions of the administration. After all, if this was a real fire, why did it take so long for emergency to show up. Ten minutes after the arrival of these emergency officers they let us go home. Later in the evening, we received a recorded message from our principal over the phone. The message said a trash can in the boys locker room was set on fire and one boy was rushed to the hospital from smoke inhalation. The messaged ended with an announcement that school would be in session for tomorrow. They would work diligently to keep the students safe and if anyone had any information about this crime to call crime fighters. Given our school's history of punishing the majority for the crimes of a minority, I wonder what the restriction will be...but that's High School.

360 degree Monday

Monday's? I don't like Monday's. I had a very busy weekend and completely forgot about the field trip planned for today in my 1st period class. I forgot to have my parents sign the release form. I forgot to have my other teachers sign my excused absence for field trip form. Oh, boy. Not today, please. After pouring out my heart and a little begging with a touch of teacher sympathy, I was granted permission to go. I'll have to rethink my feelings about Monday's after the great time I had at the art museum.

Locker Room Guy Talk

This entry is for those of you who have inquired about my weight training class with 16 guys. For the most part I sit in a corner, do my homework and I'm subjected to 'men's locker room talk'. The guys carry on about farting, burping, fighting and girls as if I wasn't there. Occasionally they argue about their different ratings of "chicks", a rating that apparently does not go above 25. So far, Megan Fox holds the perfect rating of 25. Sometimes these guys will remember I'm in the room and respond by lifting the heaviest weights they can. They wink and say "You like that right?" If this is how guys behave with one another in a locker room, let me say it's definitely not attractive...but that's High School.

Final Copy of 'Prison' (draft was written at 2 am... I apologize for the grammatical errors)

Everyday there are numerous fights that break out. Students get high and drunk in the bathrooms and now people are lighting trash cans on fire. Recently a girl started a fire in the locker room. Although these events are frequent, they do not make up the majority of the student body. Today the administration made the decision to require signed passes everywhere we go. If we are caught without a pass we will be suspended for 3 days. I am convinced more rules do not make students behave. My friend, which is an exchange student from another country, has stated there is no such thing as a hall pass in his country's schools. Students are allowed to leave campus, they choose not to be tardy and see it as rude if they are. Their requests are respected by the administration without parents required to be involved. As such, skipping class is rare. He has never seen or heard of students fighting on campus and rarely if ever is someone suspended. I asked him why he wanted to come to America. His response "I didn't know it was this bad. I feel like I've been put in prison for no reason." Really gives you something to think about..but that's High School.

Prison Talk

Everyday there are numerous fights that break out. Students get high and drunk in the bathrooms. Now people are lighting trash cans on fire. Recently a gril started a fire in the locker room. Although these events are frequent, they do not make up the majority of the student body. Today the administration made the decision to require signed passes everywhere we go. If we are caught without a pass we will be suspended for 3 days. More rules do not make students behave. My friend, wich is an exchange student form another country, has stated there is no such thing as a hall passes in his countries schools. Kids are allowed to leave campus, students choose not to be tardy and see it as rude if they are, their requests are respected by the administration without parents required to be involved. As such, skipping class is rare, he has never seen or heard of students fighting on campus and rarely if ever is someone suspended. I asked him why he wanted to come to America. His response "I didn't know it was this bad. I feel like I've been put in prison for no reason. "Really gives you something to think about.. but thats high school.

Schedule Change.....Weight Training?

Being a senior means we must find fill-in classes each semester to occupy our time since most of our required courses are complete. The only class available which fit my schedule was weight training. Me? Weight train? Ha, ha. My friends find it amusing, too. They've been having a great laugh at my expense "exactly what muscle are you trying to bulk up?" they say. I dreaded going to class. 16 sweaty guys. The first person to greet me at the door was my "pot head" classmate from Math class. He didn't disappoint with his typical welcome "Dude, you're in this class. That's awesome. This makes you the only girl here." Oh, great. What am I suppose to do now? I watched from the sidelines while the guys played a game of basketball. All the guys except for "pot head". He was quite amusing. In the middle of the game he went and laid on the court, stared at the ceiling and said "Whoa". This annoyed most of the class, but it sure made me laugh. Maybe weight training won't be so bad after all...but that's High School.

Classic Teacher Moment

The funniest thing happened...My history teacher got a little too relaxed. He was sitting in his chair with his hands behind his head and giving a lecture about the Revolutionary War when suddenly he fell back. We saw the chair legs go up in the air, followed by his hands. Our teacher is a little round in the gut which caused him to look like a potato bug squirming to roll over. Once we realized he was ok, the whole class burst into laughter. Our teacher was red faced, unhappy and told us we would have a pop quiz tomorrow...but that's High School.

Teachers Blamed for Students Getting to Class On-Time

There was a massive lock-out during second, fourth, and eighth period. The teacher's knew about this lock-out and naturally informed us when it was going to occur. This lock-out was an attempt by the administration to catch tardy students. As it turns out, the administration did not want the teachers to inform the students, but rather to keep quiet about attending class (on time) so the students would get tardies. This blunder became clear when teachers began to complain about the disappointment administration had toward the lack of tardies and blamed the teachers. Is it just me or is this the most ridiculous nonsense you've ever heard? The school wants to have lock-outs to lower the number of tardies, but when the number of tardies are lowered the teachers get blamed for telling the kids to get to class...but that's High School.

How Well Do You Know The Amendments To The U.S. Constitution?

In my law studies class I partnered with a German foreign exchange student to recite and explain the first ten amendments of the Constitution. As we were reading the 'Old English' of our Constitution my German classmate knew what the amendment meant right off the top of his head and was able to explain the meaning before I could even finish reading it. He laughed and said "How come I know the amendments better than you do?" Since government isn't on our FCATs or SAT's, I guess it's not taught. Here's another irony, this law studies class is an elective...but that's High School.

Plagiarism? Not me!

When asked to write a poem, my mind usually fills with words and rhyme which walks along a path to my point. Call it an off day or even a brain freeze, but I couldn't write a single word. Pressed with a deadline, I made the decision to use a piece I wrote my sophomore year. This piece was written in a particular style which resembled another writer. I have kept all my writings, and in this case, I even kept this authors poem. The problem came when I turned in my poem. After school I was grabbed by my classmate and asked if the poem I handed in was mine. "Yes" I said. She asked again, " Did you really write that, really?" "YES" I said again. My classmate said frantically "You better go talk to [teacher], she's about to go to the board and have plagiarism put on your permanent record." WHAT! I ran into her class and asked what in the world she would do that for. She showed me my paper and my heart sunk. I had turned in the author's poem with mine and the pages must have gotten separated. Lucky for me, my teacher understood. We found my poem and she was relieved, too. She said this was very unlike me and she didn't want to address the board either. Evidently, we have a zero tolerance for plagiarism. Perhaps I'll work a little harder at coming up with new poems...but that's High School.

Madam Librarian...Friends?

Lately I've been too busy to go to the library, but today I decided to enter the 'Castle of Books'. I was greeted by Madam Librarian, who smiled and said "Hi, how are you? I missed you. I haven't seen you in forever." First I thought she was just being sarcastic, but she came over and gave me a hug. What was that all about? Have we become good friends? She informed me I need a new pass for this semester, but not to worry because she had put one on hold for me. Wow, personal attention and special privileges. Perhaps I should ask her for a cup of coffee and a donut to go with my pass. No, I think I'll request a new ruling which would allow all students access to the 'Castle of Books', pass optional...but that's High School.

Cartoon Cop

The announcement over the intercom informed us there would be a senior assembly today. We moaned and groaned expecting to hear about bullying and continuing graduation requirements, but to our surprise we were greeted by cops who were here to talk about enforcing rules for an upcoming citywide event. An officer opened the assembly by saying "If you are caught drinking or vandalizing, you'll be arrested immediately. No warnings this year." The cop was straight out of a cartoon, looked like the scarecrow from The Wizard of Oz and had a voice like a sports announcer. He got a fellow student to roll into a ball and act like a keg of beer and another one to pretend the microphone was a beer can. The assembly ended with our cartoon cop saying "We will be on horses, patrolling the event. Please do not hit the horses butt." I'm not sure the 'drinkers' got the message, but it sure was a laugh and a laugh is always worth my time...but that's High School.

What? Change My Plans?

I've said it before and I'll say it again. Half days are a waste. What is worse than half days?
I decided to show up for a half day and discovered it's a regular schedule full day. I planned to
be home by noon, so I didn't pack my lunch. I planned to be home at noon, so I drove the car. I planned to be home at noon, so I scheduled a hair appointment. I phoned my mom to release me at noon, because this is what I planned. I had to change my plans and stay all day. I finally look forward to a half day and as it turned out I got the dates wrong. High school must be making me crazy. To half day or not to half day. That is the question...but that's High School.

Mount Scholarship

Yeah! Exam week is finally over and college applications are done. Now it's time for the climb up the Mount Scholarships. To begin my ascent I asked our school counselors and administration. Their response was "I don't know. You can log onto collegeboard.com and find information." I should have known. Every time we begin climbing a mountain, we must watch out for falling rocks and mud slides. It is up to me to research and apply for scholarships without assistance from my school. I have certainly been mislead in my understanding that high school would help me understand the process for continuing my education. Ive braved the unknown, dodged rocks, charted a course and have begun to climb. So far, my scholarship applications are far less complicated to complete then college applications, but harder to find. I've almost reached mile marker 1 (If I get awarded the scholarship)... but, that's High School.

What is a day worth?

I have been doing a lot of self study this semester. At the beginning of the year we were given books to take home. As the year has progressed, there have been only a few assignments required. The teachers lectured for the first four weeks and then stopped. I guess they got tired, or ran out of things to say. The remaining fourteen weeks, a teacher will stick his head in the class long enough to take attendance and then 'pop' their gone again. I have learned plenty of socialization skills and became quite educated in movies and music. CRAM TIME! Major crunch. This week is finals. I feel I have had to learn an entire semester of material on my own in order to pass the district exams. The questions on the exams seem to be related to the text books, which I'm thankful I read. However, if on the first day of school they just gave us our books and told us to go home and read them. We could return the week of finals and take our exams. What is a day worth to you?...but that's High School.

Brain Dead Week = A

It's been known throughout the years that the week before exams is 'dead week'. I would like to change the name to 'brain dead week' for my 1st thru 7th period class. Watching movies and socializing is apparently taking the place of reviewing for exams. Teachers tell us reviewing is to be done at home. I would prefer a quiet environment, teacher assistance and no movies. My classmates seem to disagree. As you all know, I've been known to stay home and accomplish more on these 'brain dead' days. I suppose my classmates have bets on whether they'll see me the rest of this week or not. The math class is reviewing for our exam, but it's 8th period. The last class of the day. I get up at a ridiculous hour, spend 7 hours a day of my life, watching movies and talking so I can have 1 hour of review in my math class. An 'A' will be worth the sacrifice...but that's High School.

Hey!.. Where's my BREAK?

Happy New Year! How was your 'break'? Relaxing, joyful, fun, inspiring? My Christmas break was plagued by studying for exams. While my family enjoyed all the trimmings of a holiday, I was stuck with my nose in books reviewing for end-of-semester exams which are scheduled for next week. This is the first year exams have followed Christmas. I hope it's the last. There's something much more magical about Christmas when the semester is complete prior to the holiday. Studying for exams was not the only thing that took the shine off the Christmas star. With my senior year being a transition year between high school and college, I had scholarship applications to fill out and essays to write. I even had to visit the doctor for a tuberculosis test (required for college admittance)... As I headed back to school today at 6:30 am, dark and freezing, I arrived at my high school and soon discovered the heating system was not working. I returned home at 4:30 pm with a cold nose, sore throat, blue fingers and toes and opened the door to hear my mom say "Is that you? Will you please unload the dishwasher? I have an errand to run" I think I'll take a break and drink a hot cup of cocoa...but that's High School.