Dozens of students discussed various school issues, including the recent extended homeroom activities and a perceived divide between grades, at the second forum meeting of the year on Oct. 11. Each of the 57 students and six staff members who piled into physics teacher George Stimson’s room were able to have their ideas heard by ASB representatives and Principal Tim Hornig.
During the extended homeroom activities, students interacted with other classes while answering personal questions in a group and giving suggestions for changes around campus. Some forum attendees said they enjoyed the event, which was organized by the Students Developing Acceptance club, while others saw room for improvement. They suggested giving the students more freedom to pick activities and topics discussed, since there is going to be six more of these extended homerooms in the future. “We’re going to have these days no matter what, so we might as well make the best of it,” said junior Elliot Horen.
Other students voiced thoughts of a growing divide between upper and lowerclassmen, saying upperclassmen should take initiative and be more inclusive towards newer students. One suggested solution was to establish a buddy system between older and younger students that would foster class bonding and give newcomers a chance to learn about the spirit of SDA. “[The] meeting inspired me to go out and get some underclassmen to make friends with… We seniors have to make everyone feel comfortable,” said senior Nathan Chong.
Other topics discussed included thoughts on the new late start schedule, which has students coming to school a half hour later in the morning rather than having an hour for lunch. Representatives from SDA Live and the Mosaic, SDA’s upcoming café, considered future collaborations, such as playing episodes of the homeroom-produced show for students enjoying themselves at the Mosaic.
Other suggestions were to organize a group of cheerleaders for the homecoming flag-football game, and to have a Pearl Harbor memorial, similar to the one the Academy had commemorating Sept. 11.
Those who were unable to attend will have another chance to share ideas and improve their school at the next forum meeting, which will occur in December.