A Tip of the Hat…

With all the pressure that comes with a transfer to completely virtual learning and the mounting pressure on seniors to submit college and scholarship applications, a break from the stress is necessary.  With election day passed, benchmark students extend a tip of the hat to the Pre-ACT for mandating no assignments.  This year on November 18th, most students woke up not to the sound of an alarm clock nor Microsoft Teams notification, but their own circadian rhythm. For many, not having to press the purple Teams ‘Turn in late’ button was an opportunity for reset and to focus on other priorities—even if it was just for a day.  So, for halting the incessant influx of teachers’ Teams assignments, we thank you, Pre-ACT.  

A Wag of the Finger…

Students at PTHS look forward to their senior year for a variety of exciting aspects and events. One of these experiences that students look forward to having their senior year is being exempt from final exams. Finals week at the end of each semester are probably the most exhausting and stressful weeks within the entire school year for students. Part of how students manage these exams is knowing that they are one step closer to never having to take them again. The luxury of seniors being the only class to not have to take final exams was taken away from the senior class of 2021. This is why the wag of the finger goes to no final exams for all students. However, it is completely understandable that this decision was made, considering the multiple changes in schools that were necessary for everyone’s safety in the 2020-2021 school year. Also, school during a pandemic has been completely different and difficult for everyone to adjust to, so it would have been extremely complicated for teachers and students to manage final exams. While some seniors might have wanted to have the bragging rights of not having to take finals, we understand that this was the best decision during these unique times.