What Students Want Improved Around the School

By: Kingston Mills

December 4, 2024

    Now in year nine, Colgan has built a culture within its hallways. The school has formed traditions through yearly events like ‘Healeypalooza’ and the annual pep rally on Friday of the Homecoming football game. Although all the positives Colgan has, students of course have their own perception of things in the school.

    Students see things differently than an admin or teacher may. A student shows up to school every day and experiences the many aspects of Colgan (good and bad) on a first-hand basis. One of the things that received the most criticism from students at Colgan was the previously mentioned pep rally. 

   Senior Andrew Ransom said, “It’s been the same thing the past four years.”

   Also giving input, Senior Aaron Almeida suggested, “We should add a foot race.”

   In the rally, fall sports teams are introduced and several entertaining activities take place involving students and staff.

   Senior Andre Roberts said, “The speakers aren’t even loud enough.”  

   The pep rally brings out the entire school and has remained one of the biggest events at Colgan. But through the years, there are constant concerns regarding its operation. 

   In addition, students have suggestions for available classes, despite the many activities that Colgan offers both in and out of school.

   “They need more cooking classes. They have one but that’s it,” said Sophomore Kate Frantz.

   With another proposition, Freshman Abdul Khan said boxing should be added as another club sport.

   In general, most students stated the school does a great job supplying enough classes/clubs to support the students’ interests.  The CFPA school provides several programs in different fields like theater, engineering, and science.

   Junior Grace Cervone said teachers can help students learn better by creating more inclusive and interactive lessons. 

   Over the years, research has found students learn best through interactive learning. Scholastic says interactive lessons develop “critical thinking skills” for children. The number of students to teachers is a big difference, making class sizes larger than ever. The massive class sizes could pose a challenge for teachers striving to make learning more personalized.

   Students also have made suggestions on topics that go beyond Colgan’s control. Some things are left up to Prince William County Schools’ board and Colgan follows along with their decisions. 

   One of these well discussed topics within the county includes metal detectors. The metal detectors are still a fresh addition to Colgan, after PWCS began enforcing them last school year.

   Freshman Logan Neff joked that the metal detectors should be removed completely. He said, “It’s a pain to carry a binder, computer, lunchbox and instrument every day {through the detector}.”

   Next, the food served at school is a heavily criticized subject. Food served in lunches is up to the county.

   Roberts said there needs to be more options available at lunch. He also said the vending machines throughout the school need to be fixed.

   Since opening, Colgan has been widely recognized as one of the best schools in the county. U.S. News gave the school a top four ranking among PWCS high schools. Suggestions can be effective in improving Colgan.