Student views on bullying, homework, lunches, sports
The following are excerpts of letters to the editor written by students in Michele Guiol’s freshman language arts class at Derby High School:
I hate the way students in school bully and judge other students. Bullying sometimes leads to suicide. Kids may also stop going to school because of bullying. People think that it’s so easy to talk to adults about bullying, but it’s not for some students.
Erin Means
All schools seem to talk about is bullying. Students need to be more aware of how damaging depression is. Depression occurs a lot during teenage years. People say depression can be “just a phase” and that teenagers will “get over it.” But most of the time, something damaging happens that we cannot get over. Students need to know how easily depression can take over you without being treated.
Emily Hodgdon
Girls’ clothing choices are destroying the self-image of many, which I believe is increasing depression rates of girls. The average article of feminine clothing is quite scandalous. Those who are smaller than others don’t really care, but those who may be a bit bigger usually don’t feel as confident and will feel a bit ashamed.
Rebecca Friesen
We should be able to dress how we want at school. I understand students might sometimes show too much of their “assets,” but it lets you express yourself. People might judge you, but it teaches you how people will treat you in real life.
Savannah Kendrick
If girls get to wear headbands and sports bands, and JROTC members get to wear their hats, all hats should be allowed in school. Hats are just another way to express ourselves.
Nicholas L.C. Smith
School start times are rather ridiculous. We, as growing children, are forced to wake at early-morning times when even our parents may not be awake yet. Some students have to wake up at 5 a.m. or earlier. Why are we forced to wake up so early when schools supposedly invest great weight in our health?
Zavier Divelbiss
Waking up at 6 a.m. and having to be at school by 8 a.m. is no good for teenagers’ brains. We tend to learn better starting about 10 a.m. Being able to get at school at 10 a.m. would give us more sleep and might improve our grades.
Kierra Edwards
Schools have been giving out too much homework. If we cut down the homework, we would have more time to do other activities after school. Too much homework stresses kids out at home, which could cause them to not do it and fail the class.
Chase Chambers
Most athletes practice four to five days a week and have a game at least once a week. Most of the time, high school students have homework during the week, and if it’s not finished the next day, we get 50 percent taken off of the homework, which destroys our grades. It’s not right that we are told to be involved with our school, and then we get less time to complete work.
Weston Murrow
Teenagers should be allowed to listen to music during school. If teenagers don’t listen to their music, they won’t be focused; they’ll just be bored and tired. I understand that teachers, principals and parents think music is just a distraction, but it helps teenagers be more relaxed and less fidgety.
Abigail Hinkle
Students should be able to have open lunches if they want to. School lunches have never been good, and they always cost a lot of money. There are plenty of restaurants within walking distance, and I think some students can be trusted to come back to school.
Cody Brooks
Derby High has this place called Panther Den where you can buy food and drinks. It is an alternative to the cafeteria food. This year they changed it and now sell us “healthy” food. It isn’t even substantial food. It’s a tiny little chip bag and other gross things. If you are starving, you have to wait to get home to eat actual food. I would like to change the “healthy” food rule.
Luis Terrero
I think marijuana should be legalized. Marijuana is not a lethal drug; it is actually safer than alcohol. People are allowed to smoke cigarettes, which cause so many people to die each year.
Tysen King
Abortion should be illegal. A teen who has unprotected sex and doesn’t think she can handle a child shouldn’t be allowed to get abortions. They should keep the baby and face the consequences. You shouldn’t be allowed to take a life from an innocent baby just because you feel you can’t handle it.
Cassidy Ryan
Gays should get all the benefits that heterosexuals have. Just because they have a different sexuality doesn’t mean they shouldn’t get their rights.
Sarah Thompson
Why does our country worry about the things that really shouldn’t matter? I know people have personal opinions about gays and lesbians, but, honestly, why worry about that when our nation is in debt and has many other major problems?
Olivia Lee
Competitive dance should be considered a sport. Our dancers work just as hard as or even harder than any football player. We compete as a team, just like any other sport. People say, “You wear makeup and do your hair all pretty.” But just because we look good doesn’t mean we can’t be a sport.
Brileigh Meirowsky
Boxing should be a school sport. Boxing helps people stay fit, and teaches them self-defense and how to train.
Tristan Bachicha
BMX is schools could be the next big step for the sport. This sport is a great escape from everyday life and is a stress reliever. Though the sport could involve a higher risk of getting injured, putting it in school could really make that school stand out.
Race Lee
This story was originally published November 26, 2014 at 6:05 PM with the headline "Student views on bullying, homework, lunches, sports."