Conflict With Changes In The Course Catalog

With the submission deadline of the NWCTA course request form being March 10, many are noticing various changes in the classes offered next year. 

The school sent an email reminding students to choose the courses they plan on taking next year as counselors are beginning to meet with specific grades. However, soon-to-be seniors are changing their academic plans by removing some honors classes. Junior Kymber Williams was among those having to alter their schedule.

“The change in courses mainly affected my English plans for senior year,” Williams explains. “I had planned to take honors, but since 12 H was removed, I will most likely be taking an AP class instead.”

As the school transitions towards more academically advanced classes, the opportunity to take on college-level courses exponentially decreases. Junior Julissa Pineda explains how the reaction to this decision will differ throughout the school.

“I believe the change will have students challenging themselves with higher classes,” Pineda said. “But there will also be students fighting for regular classes due to these changes.”

Petitions to get back honors classes, such as English 12 Honors, have already gone into effect as students take the initiative. Junior Daniela Barron participated in virtually signing one.

“One of my classmates made the petition, and I signed it because I had been planning on taking that class my senior year,” Barron stated. “Now I only have the option of taking another AP or a regular course.”

Additionally, seniors must take an English and math course on campus during their last year. 

“In some cases, I do believe it should be mandatory for better growth and practice for the school life after,” Pineda said. “ In general, it should be optional because it may be that not everyone is going to expand their education after high school.”

The class of 2024 may have to make some changes to their senior-year ambitions.

“The decisions will not align with everyone's previous plans,” Pineda said. “Students should be able to decide if having those classes will benefit them or not.”