Seniors at Millbrook High School are now given the opportunity to drop classes that are not needed in order to graduate. Seniors with a first or fourth-period elective are in luck with this new rule. In previous years, seniors could only leave campus early if they had an internship to attend, but this year the only requirement is that the class or classes being dropped are not mandatory to graduate.

   When speaking with senior Jax Ierardi, who dropped his Sports Marketing class, he shares that he uses his time “to go to the gym” and that he “feels better after dropping the class.” When dropping a fourth-period class, students may leave campus at the end of their third period and are not permitted to stay on campus when not attending a class. When a first-period class is dropped, it is not necessary to arrive at school until 8:55, at the end of first period, transitioning to second.

   Natalie Hughes explains to Cat Talk that she “found out about the ability to drop classes from [her] teacher,” which is the response that most students give when asked as well. When speaking with Señor Ortega, he states that his teaching hasn’t changed but that he “enjoys smaller classes” because he can give more attention to the students that need his help. Science teacher, Mr. Scanlon, also says that “it’s easier to do activities” with students when they are in smaller classes. 

   For students experiencing senioritis early on, this option has been quite rewarding. If you haven’t already applied to drop a class as a senior, the deadline has sadly passed, but working with a counselor could possibly change that. It is important that as seniors transition from high school to college that they can have the freedom to be independent, which this new policy allows. Juniors at Millbrook, look out for the ability to drop classes next year, too!