As we rapidly approach the end of the first semester, Kahoks are beginning to prepare for finals week. This year, there is a schedule change and a new exemption opportunity.
The administration has allowed students to be exempt from first-semester finals! The guidelines to be exempt are: you must be passing with an A or B, No unexcused absences, No disciplines resulting in ISS, OSS, or STOP, and no more than three absences (not including school-sponsored activities, college days, or mental health days).
“The goal behind that was to improve student effort on their grades but to also get kids to school because the chronic absent rates were pretty high. That was its main driver,” said Assistant Principal Robert Wright.
The schedule has had a big change. Instead of the three-day, long periods, it’ll be two days and only 55-minute periods. Both days will have a 12:50 dismissal.
“The shortening of the final was based on what we noticed was needed by students on final days. I’m sure you’ve noticed by now that there have been some days where you’re done with the final in 30 minutes and you have another hour left where you’re sitting and doing nothing. So that would cause disruptions because families would call their students out after they were done,” said Mr. Wright, “It also allows for more time in the classroom because it only takes two days to do finals rather than three, and it allows teachers to kind of push a little bit further towards the end so that students are getting the most out of every class.”
Though finals are intimidating, hopefully, the new policies can help give you some peace. When questioned on whether the administration thinks these policies will lessen students’ stress and improve their scores, Wright answered, “I hope so, I think that’s dependant on the student, some students enjoy extra time so they can move a little bit slower, but some students enjoy the fact that they know they’ll be out soon, so I think it’s kind of it depends on who you’re looking at.”
Finals can be a stressful time for everyone, so use these tips to help yourself destress! Studying can help calm your nerves, and you’ll feel more confident going in. Before your final make sure you get a good night’s rest and eat a fulfilling breakfast. Give yourself time to practice your hobbies and do what you enjoy. Focus on the positive! Don’t put yourself down before you even see the test. These exams are in place to showcase what you know and if you understand the material.
