Mentoring program creates mixed feelings on campus
Students gather around Assistant Principal Jorge Rodriguez to receive a referral as one consequence for not arriving to FIT on time. Students who are found outside of FIT rooms past the assigned time are rounded up by security, assistant principals, and other hall monitors and taken to room D109.
Say goodbye to the weekly Thursday morning study group mentoring classes formerly known as “advisory”, a new pro- gram called FIT (Flexible Instructional Time) is the new flavor of the season as the new 2013 – 2014 school year begins.
“We’ve decided to change from advisory to FIT because we are trying to focus more on academic learning by providing opportunities for students to have extra time in areas where students are struggling and increase chances for students to graduate with the preparation skills for college,” Science Instructional Coach Robert Deckard said.
FIT will be held twice a week (Tuesday and Wednesday) for students to go to any class they feel they need to get most help in. All students are required to attend a class on a FIT day and to keep track of every FIT session across campus and every student attendance in the school the “Portal” has been created to make things easier. It allows students to sign themselves up for certain sessions they want to attend,” Principal Stephen Kane said.
Not attending a session will result in serious consequences as this FIT program is to be taken seriously.
“The absence of a FIT session will be treated as if a student were to skip a class,” Deckard said. “Consequences will include a conference with an assistant principal, a phone call home, lunch detention and a possible at home suspension.”
FIT has created mixed feelings both positive and negative throughout campus from students having to adapt to this change.
“I really like the idea of FIT, for it allows us the opportunity to get ahead in our studies. Some kids have trouble finding tutoring hours, but with FIT it’s during our actual school time,” sophomore Madison Cooper said. “If I had a say in FIT, I would probably change the dates from Tuesday and Wednes- day to days further apart to add time for kids to get more studies in that they actually need help on. Kids can’t learn that much in one day.”
FIT referral line-up
Students gather around Assistant Principal Jorge Rodriguez to receive a referral as one consequence for not arriving to FIT on time. Students who are found outside of FIT rooms past the assigned time are rounded up by security, assistant principals, and other hall monitors and taken to room D109. Photo by Editor-in-Chief Rachael Crawford
page 12
Students are learning that maybe this change won’t be all that bad.
“At first I didn’t like the idea behind FIT. I thought it was going to be a waste of time and that students weren’t going to take it seriously,” junior Scott Mayo said. “How- ever, after looking at the rigorous schedule that has consumed my life for the past four weeks, I’ve realized that FIT is going to very helpful. In fact, having FIT everyday may be an even better option. It eliminates the factor behind a confusing schedule and I think it would also allow students to get more of a feel for the whole idea behind FIT
Some students think otherwise and feel it’s a waste of time for students who don’t need the help.
“If I had a say in FIT, I would make it longer, but not required unless a teacher requested you. Not all kids need that extra time, so it’s going to be a hassle for them to go,” senior Meagan Hudson said. “I also
Bowie vs Westlake halftime show
The band performed their ensemble “To B or not to bee” during the halftime of the Bowie vs Westlake game. Photo by Photo Editor Ashley Stroud
We got ninth overall in music, first place in visual (marching) and first place in gen- eral effect. Ninth place is unacceptable and completely uncharacteristic for our band,” senior Moody Schoolar said. “I am look-
would change the harsh punishments for be- ing late because I think it’s sort of ridiculous to take someone’s lunch away for being late one time when we have shortened passing periods.”
Others think there’s simply no time to fit the new program into the academic sched- ule due to our passing period time limits and because time is already provided for us to get our work done.
“I don’t like the idea of FIT mainly be- cause it takes away our already limited lunch and passing period times,” senior Jo- seph Lewright said. “Granted it does give more time to those who need it but they have the same amount of time now. What’s key is how you use it. Also, seven minutes to get all the way across campus is not a long time. I’m constantly seeing kids jog- ging to and from their classes to avoid get- ting referrals.”
Your donation will support the student journalists of James Bowie High School. Your contribution will help cover our annual website hosting costs. Any contributions made through this service are NOT tax deductible. If you would like to make a tax deductible donation OR to subscribe to our print edition, please contact us at [email protected].
