One of the best parts of being a senior is receiving senior privileges that often begin in the second semester. At Meridian, senior privileges are reshaped annually.
The original policy for senior privileges dates back to 1982. In the initial policy, there were guidelines such as keeping a GPA above 2.0 at all times. During that time, students had to be enrolled in a minimum of five classes, not have received a suspension in the past quarter and carry a “Senior Honors Pass” which could be shown on demand.
Although decades have passed, regulations have only been gently adjusted. This year, the senior class council wrote a seven page paper to Principal Mr. Peter Laub and some administrative members detailing why seniors deserved privileges.
“From there, [senior class council] started to brainstorm how our grade has made accomplishments inside and outside of school,” senior class council member Claire Dassira explained. “After the paper was completed, we sent it off to Laub and had a meeting with Ms. Trebles where we talked about the privileges.”
Laub mentioned that the process was smooth, and no tensions ensued between administration and senior class council. This year, the policy emphasizes the notion that senior privileges may be revoked for unexcused absences, poor academic performance, etc.
“This rule seemed pretty fair, especially because they are supposed to be a privilege for students, and that they are incentives to work hard in school,” Dassira commented.
The front office enforces senior privilege rules, especially the check-out process for open campus during lunches and free blocks.
“They have to use their ID and there’s a sticker on it for senior privileges when they check in and check out,” Administrative Assistant Cecily Shea noted. When asked about any problems with the check-in process, Shea mentioned that there have been “none at all.”
Most seniors agreed that the ability to revoke privileges was fair and a good addition to rules.
“I think that [senior privileges] should be earned because you still have to be present for school and you should be doing your assignments,” senior Gavin Jones said. “There is a good bonus for like ‘You’ve made it this far’ but if it’s hurting your grade, then it’s time to take it away as an incentive to do better.”
However, some seniors believe the changes to the rules have been too vague, which could potentially cause accidental violations.
“I think that it should be more clearly specified at the start of the year, what the expectations are,” senior William Albaugh commented.
Despite this, most seniors understand the reasoning behind the rules.
“I feel like a lot of seniors don’t do their work,” senior Emily Marrow stated. “They don’t deserve freedom if they haven’t earned it.”
