At Shadow Ridge High School, a new initiative is turning the traditional social structure upside down with the introduction of a ‘No Privilege List’ aimed at eliminating favoritism and ensuring all students have equal access to rewards and opportunities, as well as punishment. As this policy gains more momentum, questions arise.
The No Privilege List is a list of students who are not able to attend after school activities or school events. Students who have 10 or more tardies total, 7 unexcused absences in a single class, have been suspended, have an F on their quarter/progress grades, or are absent on the day of the event will end up on the list.
Students can avoid being put on the list by being present and on time to class, and maintaining passing grades in their classes. The duration of being on the list depends on what a student is on the list for. Once a student receives their 10th tardy, they are on the list until tardies reset at the end of the quarter. Once a student receives their 7th absence in a class, they are on the list until absences reset at semester. If a student is on there for an F at quarter grade, it will reset at the next quarter’s progress grade, unless they still have an F in a class. If a student is absent the day of the event, students are only on the list for that day.
Junior Studies teacher, Amanda Becker states, “We are seeing many benefits by using this list. We are seeing a difference in both attendance and tardies, and in overall behavior. Students do not want to be on the list.”
The No Privilege List is here to stay. It will be implemented for the remainder of the year and for years to come. This includes implementing the list at events such as Prom, Senior Week, and Grad Nite towards the end of the school year.
Teachers and staff have stated there has been a noticeable change in students behavior and their motivation when it comes to their academics.
“There has been an improvement in behavior. Students are coming to school and the tardies are declining,” Becker says.
Most students don’t know much about this list, and those who are aware have questions and comments. Junior, Jasmin Bautista Juarez believes that, “Some pros are that it encourages students to try harder in school to be included in after school activities…and makes sure problematic students aren’t causing problems at after school activities.” Bautista adds on, “Kids who really want to attend and show their school spirit might not be able to go to an event because of this rule.”
This list was created to empower the Ridge Way and hold students to high expectations in preparation to succeed and excel. At Shadow Ridge, academics is their priority, which means after school activities and events are a privilege. Administration believes students should earn this right through the RIDGE way. Grades, behavior, tardies, and absences are the foundation of showing respect, integrity, discipline, growth, and empowerment.
