School fights: Preventions/Consequences & 2021 Homecoming Dance

The year has only just begun and yet there have already been multiple fights this year. Fights disrupt the learning process for everyone and therefore have consequences for everyone, even those not involved. Junior, Skyler Lambert says, “It makes me feel embarrassed to attend CPA and it honestly makes me want to transfer because I don't want anybody to know I go to this school because of all the social media coverage.” Sophomore Shane Lewis says, “It affects the way I learn, it affects the way I focus because everyone is talking about the fights and it’s very much mentally draining.” There are also new consequences for those who fight. Ms. Burgdorf says they have created a re-entry plan for those that are in fights. It involves having meetings with social workers for both the student and the parents. In addition, CPA is trying to set an example that fighting isn't tolerated by lengthening the suspension of those that do fight. “We had a lot of social media coverage in October but we also have more than 100 students who haven't had any discipline interactions at all and good grades, but the media only wants to report the fights like that’s all we do here and that's not the case.” Because of the fights, we had to go on a “soft” lockdown where students remained in one class all day, which isn't effective for learning and frustrating for both teachers and students alike. The administration is hopeful that the new consequences, along with the desire for the majority of the student body to focus on their education, are enough to stop the fights.

After a fun spirit week and the homecoming football game, students got ready for the homecoming dance they have been waiting for since 2020. The homecoming dance took place on October 2nd, 2021 in the CPA 3rd floor gym. The theme of the dance was Red Carpet and the decorations were red, blue, and silver. Students that attended homecoming said they wanted it to be the best night they ever had because it’s only celebrated once a year. Senior student, Kamia Taylor says, “It was a really good time.” Students filled their bellies with Dominos, chips, and desserts all evening and expressed appreciation for the efforts of Mrs. Luker and the student government. Kamia Taylor, who is also a student government representative, said, “We came together to make things fun for students.¨

2021 HOMECOMING DANCE

By: Camille Tucker

This year's homecoming event was highly anticipated because many didn't get to have it last year due to COVID. The homecoming events include a spirit week, a homecoming football game, and the homecoming dance. Junior Darric Willford says, “Most would say that the dance was the best part of the Homecoming week.” Many people anticipated the dance since there wasn’t one last year due to COVID. Mrs. Luker, who was in charge of the dance, said there were almost 250 students in attendance. She added, “I think this many people showed up because of the free tickets.“ Ticket cost depended on a student’s attendance. If a student had 80% or better, their ticket was free. If their attendance was close to that, a ticket cost $10. All other tickets cost $15. CPA plans to continue this since it appears to be a motivating factor and helps improve attendance and therefore learning.