With the recent establishment of the four academies along with the welcoming of a new principal, Albany High changed for the better. Several new rules were enacted, certain issues gained leniency, and most importantly, more doors to opportunity were opened.
Even many of the students who claim that they know Albany High like the back of their hand may not necessarily know the recent changes that lay in store for them. These are the top ten school issues that many Albany High students don’t know about.
10.) A lot of students drop out of a certain course only because they are failing it and fear that they won’t be able to recover the following quarter. Fortunately, a program called APEX is offered after school that can dramatically increase a student’s average in any quarter for almost any course. Students complete online assignments and those grades are averaged with the original grade. For more information, visit your academy office.
9.) The Falcon Pass is a new opportunity for students that are well behaved and loosens up certain restrictions. With a Falcon Pass, students who are sick of staying in their assigned cafeteria during lunch can now head over to the other cafeteria to hang with friends. The pass grants many other privileges, including quicker access to the bathroom, as it serves as an alternative to an agenda pass. No agenda necessary; just have it and go. To apply for a Falcon Pass, visit your academy office and get an application sheet.
8.) If students have an idea for a club that doesn’t fall under any of the existing categories, they can start their own. The first year will be supervised as an afterschool activity and the following year the club will be official. All you need is the support of a faculty member and you’re on your way.
7.) If a students repeats a course and gets assisgned the same teacher as the prior year, the parent/guardian may request a change. The request can only be made during the first week of the new transition. If space is available, the student will be reassigned.
6.) Students are allowed to text in the hallways before class. However, if students are found to be wearing hats in the hallways, instead of having the hat confiscated, a detention slip is instantly handed out.
5.) If you’re interested in IB courses but not necessarily the entire IB program, individual IB courses that can be taken. The major difference being, the IB program offers a diploma.
4.) Students are allowed to drop a course until early December. There are several exceptions including physical education and core classes.
3.) Arrive to school quickly and on time! Being even ten minutes late will result in an entire class period spent in the lunch room. Students are expected to stay there until the bell rings so not to disrupt classes in session.
2.) Lateness to class has recently become a massive issue. As a result, there have been heavy restrictions put in place. Teachers are now forced to mark students “tardy” even if a student is seconds late.
1.) Almost everything you need to know is located in your agenda! This includes quarterly deadlines, mathematical formulas, classroom locations, a school calendar and more!