From overwhelming workloads to feeling ignored, students speak out about what they want to see change in their school environment
By: Isabella Sutherland
Students around Redwood High School enjoy the school, but they still have a voice and things to share about change around the school.
Leanna Gurrola, ’29, says, “I think that students are able to voice their opinions, but are not always heard by the administration, even though students have the ability to voice their opinions and concerns to the admin, those same things might not be carried out all the time.”
Gurrola wants students’ voices to be heard around school, and even though students can voice their opinions, she thinks that students aren’t even heard.
Gurrola thinks that the school pushes people too much, and it stresses students out. She says, “I would change how overwhelming the school environment and work could be because it can be hard to focus.”
Some people think that there is too much homework, while others think there is too little.
When asked what can better a student’s life, Brooklyn Gonzales, ’28, says, “Maybe less homework, so [students] have more time to spend with their families.”
Gonzales likes having more time to spend with her family, and she thinks that a lot of homework and less time to sleep really unbalances a student’s life.
Since sleep is an important aspect in focusing and passing classes, Gonzales also says, “I like how late [school] starts, but maybe it could start a little later, so it gives students more time to sleep in.”
Not all students are concerned with the schoolwork they are given; others are more concerned with the time or place of things.
When it comes to lunch time, there aren’t many places to go without the school being crowded.
Ashley Xiong, ’27, says she wants, “more places to hang out, just because there’s barely any places to hang out, and most of us go off campus. Sometimes I see people hanging by the office, so I think we should have more places and activities.”
She wants the school to add more things to the school so it makes the day feel more enjoyable.
All the students have different opinions, but one thing people agree on is a longer lunch.
Israel Gray, ’29, says, “I think they should extend certain things like lunch, for example, lunch is the shortest period we have of the day by a lot and if that was extended it would it would be okay because kids would have a bigger break and wouldn’t be as hesitant to want to go back to class after such a short time.”
Gray also says, “Something that would have the biggest positive impact on students is having more things to really bring people together with other people that they have things in common with.”
Isabella Sutherland
Isabella Sutherland is a Student Life editor and writer, she enjoys journalism because she is able to show others stories and lives. She joined journalism because of her love of writing from a very young age and hopes to continue writing for many more years.
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I’m inspired to hear student’s forward thinking. Perhaps some are ready for college experience and lifestyle. There are pressures for teachers and staff to do more with less. I believe longer breaks or lunches on specific days are worth exploring for both staff and students
It could be an opportunity for local businesses and community members to engage with students and hold seminars that include local cuisine, ideas, and promotions.