Leaving During School Days
The everlasting question of why students cannot leave school during their free periods has yet again risen at Pentucket.
Unfortunately, Pentucket has never been an open campus, at least not as long as Mr. Seymour, Pentucket High School Principal, can remember. He claimed that it isn’t really anything he’s remembered being on top of his priority list to be an advocate for. Fortunately, this year we have students pushing for this privilege in a way that has the staff listening.
It is obvious that leaving during school could raise quite a few concerns, but surprisingly this did not come up during my short chat with Mr. Seymour. He briefly explained that it makes sense to have an open campus in an urban setting, but to be able to leave Pentucket may not make as much sense. “If you have to go all the way to Merrimac because you forgot something, you won’t even have time to come back really”, said Seymour.
What Mr. Seymour forgets about teenagers are the two main reasons they would leave school: to get something they forgot or to get food. This could benefit Groveland and West Newbury kids for going home, as well as Merrimac kids as soon as the bridge reopens. Students have strong opinions on this topic as well. Tory Ruggeiro, senior, claimed that it would be difficult to keep track of everyone. “People don’t have time to check that stuff before you hit the sign out paper, grab your keys and get out”, she says.
However, Tory felt that this would be a positive change for the school. She had the same concerns anyone would have, like people skipping classes and people inevitably complaining about the rules. “Once you leave, it’s hard to come back; you get people who skip and lie.” She claimed. She believes that if the school does become an open campus, it should be a privilege to be able to leave.
Tiffany Croft, senior, also had strong opinions on the issue. “If you have below a C, then you shouldn’t get the privilege”, she said, also saying, “if you’re late for class, suspend it. There has to be consequences.”
It was surprising how students were so quick to come up with rules for this that they were readily going to swear not to break. Many students agreed that an open campus would be beneficial and that it is something they would like to see change this year.
While the outcome of this situation is still unclear, there are people working to see this happen. Meanwhile, we will just have to wait and see what unfolds.
Jesse Feeney • Nov 30, 2015 at 6:51 pm
I think that if you have a free period then you should be able to leave the school but only if you come back on time. If you want to run to nicks and get food for lunch I think that should be okay. They should also have nicks deliver to the school so students can order and have them deliver without getting in trouble. I think that they have to have rules like you you can not be late to school, or have to have nothing lower than a C.
Krystal Ludwig • Oct 22, 2013 at 5:29 pm
Leaving school would be the best thing ever. Such as if you have a free period and your starving, we would be able to go get something to eat. Even if you forgot something at your house which you really need, you could go get it. The Merrimack kids would definitely make in time since the bridge is open. Also there are so many food places around that its hard no to go. Especially when the school lunch is not all that good. This was a very well written paper that argues a good point. I think you spoke what everyone else wanted to say. You made valid points and got feedback from other students to help support you paper.
Alex Dumas • Oct 22, 2013 at 8:08 am
I believe that this is a very interesting idea. It would be very benificial to be able to go home during a free period. I hope that people listen to this proposition.
Alexandra Silva • Oct 21, 2013 at 12:27 pm
This was a very well written topic, and really should be recognized by the school. People don’t realize that this was something that used to be “ok” when our parents were attending school. Why shouldn’t we be able to leave for lunch or if we forget something. I really enjoyed the two view points you gave from the students and even with Mr. Seymour. This issue should be looked at more and brought up, because it would make our high school experience that much more better.
spencer kresge • Oct 20, 2013 at 4:52 pm
I had no idea this sort of privilege was even being considered until reading this article. Personally, I think this is a great idea, if the students followed some simple rules like you mentioned. Also, with the bridge now open, Merrimac residents can easily get home in back within a period’s time. I like the idea a lot, so keep everyone up to date with what is happening. Great article, Allison!
Molly Kirmelewicz • Oct 20, 2013 at 12:57 pm
Good Article! I think an open campus would be a good way for students to catch a break during free period, but still be in school for there classes!
Jack • Oct 18, 2013 at 12:54 pm
sweeeet article.
Charlotte • Oct 18, 2013 at 11:31 am
I thought this was a really good article. It brought up really good points. I agree with the writer in some ways, mostly with the main point that we should be able to leave school during the days. I am glad this is being brought to attention.
spencer kresge • Oct 18, 2013 at 10:11 am
I had no idea that something like this was even being proposed and I think its a great idea! Of course, with the Rocksvillage Bridge now open, even kids who live in Merrimac can get home and back in time. I agree with the rules set, and think kids would follow the rules due to the fact that they don’t want to lose the privilege of leaving. Keep everyone updated and great article!
Alexandra Silva • Oct 18, 2013 at 10:01 am
I really enjoyed this article because it really caught my attention on the subject. It was a good point to show the view points the student body really has on it. If you ask me, i think its a great idea to be able to leave and get food or if your forget something. You should have a certain time limit, and have to sign in and out. This would be a really new and exciting experience that the school could provide permission for as long as the students keep there grades up and keep up with there school work. Overall it was written really well, and it was nice to have two different view points on the issue stated.
Kaylin Bernier • Oct 17, 2013 at 10:10 pm
Very well written. It is a popular idea and I really hope it happens. You should keep up with this topic and let us know how it goes.
Alexis Early • Oct 17, 2013 at 10:00 pm
I thought it was really effective that you included Mr.Seymour’s opinion on leaving school during free periods because he is someone who is able to make it possible or not. I also liked how you included both sides to leaving school early with it could create more problems with not being able to keep track of everyone, but it can also be a privilege. I really enjoyed it!
Eric • Oct 17, 2013 at 6:32 pm
Well written
Cooper carifio • Oct 17, 2013 at 5:10 pm
Interesting idea and article, I agree with Nate Hey.
Halle Conn • Oct 17, 2013 at 1:10 pm
I’m glad you wrote about this. It is a big problem with kids always wanting to leave and I hope there can be some sort of negotiation!
Chris McClelland • Oct 17, 2013 at 11:28 am
I agree with this notion of being able to leave the school grounds. But i also feel that the “where would you go” question is still extremely valid. I know that all I would want to do is run across the street to grab something at nicks place.
Nate Hey • Oct 9, 2013 at 7:40 pm
This is an interesting article and it will be interesting if students will be allowed to leave during free periods.