Classroom Size Does Matter
By Morgan Bledsoe
There has been debates on whether classroom sizes should be reduced or increased. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Due to budget cuts in some districts, the schools are unable to pay as many teachers, so the classroom sizes grew as more kids came and the schools were unable to hire more teachers.
Ms. Kontis, an eighth grade history teacher for team Supreme, says that she prefers smaller class sizes because it’s easier to address the individual needs of her students.
Mrs. Caneday, an eighth grade English teacher for team Icons, says that she prefers smaller classes because, “it is much easier for me to give one on one help to every student, especially when we are working on writing. It is also nice to have extra seating options for those students who focus better when banished to the ‘Island.’”
Although most teachers prefer small class sizes, there are still advantages of having a larger class size. A class with more students, around 35-45 students, allows a teacher to be able to do more group projects. It also allows students learn independence and how to work on their own, without a teacher supervising ever student in the class.
While each class size has their own advantages, small class sizes are most favored by teachers because it is easier to keep control of a small class. With large classes, it is harder for one teacher to maintain control and make sure all students are working and on-task.
Due to budget cuts in some districts, the schools are unable to pay as many teachers, so the classroom sizes grew as more kids came and the schools were unable to hire more teachers.
Ms. Kontis, an eighth grade history teacher for team Supreme, says that she prefers smaller class sizes because it’s easier to address the individual needs of her students.
Mrs. Caneday, an eighth grade English teacher for team Icons, says that she prefers smaller classes because, “it is much easier for me to give one on one help to every student, especially when we are working on writing. It is also nice to have extra seating options for those students who focus better when banished to the ‘Island.’”
Although most teachers prefer small class sizes, there are still advantages of having a larger class size. A class with more students, around 35-45 students, allows a teacher to be able to do more group projects. It also allows students learn independence and how to work on their own, without a teacher supervising ever student in the class.
While each class size has their own advantages, small class sizes are most favored by teachers because it is easier to keep control of a small class. With large classes, it is harder for one teacher to maintain control and make sure all students are working and on-task.
Schools Should Search Lockers
By Ava Jackson
There are many reasons of why most schools have removed regular lockers. These reasons include: students putting unsafe items in their lockers, staff/authorities not having locker combination/key to be able to get into students’ lockers, and other students might have been tempted to steal other students’ belongings.
Sierra Vista removed their regular lockers quite a few years ago; they used to be located in the main hallway. Now Sierra Vista only has P.E. lockers and they still bring the same risks.
Not just SV has removed their general lockers. Other schools had the same idea. Canyon High School, La Mesa Jr. High School, Golden Valley High School, and many other schools are included in this group.
The simple solution for lockers should be to do monthly or weekly lockers checks. This has been a huge debate because students think that they should have a little bit of privacy and security.
One reason to not check the lockers would be the fourth amendment: the right of search and seizure. Yes, the school may have suspicions to search a student’s locker, but they would have to get a warrant from court.
It’s not necessary or reasonable to get a search warrant based off a suspicion. However, students do not “own” their lockers as they didn’t buy it from the school. Therefore schools should have the right to search a student’s locker for the safety of others.
The Hart District, along with most schools, must follow an education code to search a student’s locker. A few of the policies are that only administrators can do the searching and there also has to be two people present for the search.
However, another reason to go inside of a student’s locker would be if they were going home sick and needed some of their belongings. Campus supervisors are authorized to do this as well.
Overall, whether or not it is necessary to search a student’s locker is an important part of how to deal with suspicious actions.
Sierra Vista removed their regular lockers quite a few years ago; they used to be located in the main hallway. Now Sierra Vista only has P.E. lockers and they still bring the same risks.
Not just SV has removed their general lockers. Other schools had the same idea. Canyon High School, La Mesa Jr. High School, Golden Valley High School, and many other schools are included in this group.
The simple solution for lockers should be to do monthly or weekly lockers checks. This has been a huge debate because students think that they should have a little bit of privacy and security.
One reason to not check the lockers would be the fourth amendment: the right of search and seizure. Yes, the school may have suspicions to search a student’s locker, but they would have to get a warrant from court.
It’s not necessary or reasonable to get a search warrant based off a suspicion. However, students do not “own” their lockers as they didn’t buy it from the school. Therefore schools should have the right to search a student’s locker for the safety of others.
The Hart District, along with most schools, must follow an education code to search a student’s locker. A few of the policies are that only administrators can do the searching and there also has to be two people present for the search.
However, another reason to go inside of a student’s locker would be if they were going home sick and needed some of their belongings. Campus supervisors are authorized to do this as well.
Overall, whether or not it is necessary to search a student’s locker is an important part of how to deal with suspicious actions.
Letters to the Editors
Dear Editor,
In response to Ava Jackson’s article, “Kid Celebrities Affected Negatively By Fame,” I agree with her that minors do endure an overwhelming life when famous.
Underaged fame does affect education in different ways that can lead to no education; children can be so focused on their career and not realize an education is another option.
I do feel that children should be able to express their talent widely. It does provide an experience of responsibility and maturity that is needed in minors.
Children should keep in mind that education is important along with pursuing a career of their choice.
Sincerely
Jenny Smith-Thomas
In response to Ava Jackson’s article, “Kid Celebrities Affected Negatively By Fame,” I agree with her that minors do endure an overwhelming life when famous.
Underaged fame does affect education in different ways that can lead to no education; children can be so focused on their career and not realize an education is another option.
I do feel that children should be able to express their talent widely. It does provide an experience of responsibility and maturity that is needed in minors.
Children should keep in mind that education is important along with pursuing a career of their choice.
Sincerely
Jenny Smith-Thomas
Dear Editor,
I agree that classroom technology is greatly beneficial to both students and teachers. In the Plainsman Press article “Technology Useful for Student Education” by Morgan Bledose, she states that the use of laptops for educational purposes changes the way students learn, and the way teachers can teach.
There are online activities and programs about the lesson being taught that can engage students so they may remember the material better.
Although it’s true that some students might misuse the laptops, the district is able to monitor what students look at as long as they are signed in with their district ID. This makes sure that everyone is on task.
There is tons of helpful information on the internet that can assist students with their class work and projects, and it can be readily and easily available to students with the help of classroom technology.
Sincerely,
Jocelyn Garcia
I agree that classroom technology is greatly beneficial to both students and teachers. In the Plainsman Press article “Technology Useful for Student Education” by Morgan Bledose, she states that the use of laptops for educational purposes changes the way students learn, and the way teachers can teach.
There are online activities and programs about the lesson being taught that can engage students so they may remember the material better.
Although it’s true that some students might misuse the laptops, the district is able to monitor what students look at as long as they are signed in with their district ID. This makes sure that everyone is on task.
There is tons of helpful information on the internet that can assist students with their class work and projects, and it can be readily and easily available to students with the help of classroom technology.
Sincerely,
Jocelyn Garcia