Staff Editorial

August 2011 was filled with the cries of juniors who had just been informed of horrible, life-changing news: AP U.S. History would become a weighted class for the first time in its recent history. More precisely, a homework point would no longer be equal to a test point, and excellence on exams would become more vital than completing homework.

As roughly 150 students file into AP Calculus AB or BC every day, it’s hard not to acknowledge that the once senior-dominated classes have shifted dramatically to include more juniors, sophomores and, in rare cases, even freshmen than ever before.

During winter break in the 2010-2011 school year, senior Vivian Tsai and her family visited her grandparents in Taiwan. On her trip, she had to bring along her calculus textbook, her Barron’s AP Chemistry prep book and the AP History textbook to study for finals in January.

At Saratoga High, the AP season at the beginning of May defines much of academic life on campus. After a long year of work, juniors, seniors and a handful of sophomores or freshmen demonstrate their knowledge during the two weeks of testing.

America's recession may be technically over, but the budget woes of schools in California aren't disappearing. In the face of a $3 million projected deficit for the 2010-2011 school year, the Los Gatos-Saratoga High School District is making cuts in the classroom, potentially growing the size of English 9 classes to 28 or beyond—a serious detriment to students and a regrettable move by school officials.

Applying to colleges and anxiously waiting for a reply at one's mailbox is hard enough without being blindfolded. The content of recommendation letters has been kept under lock and key—so much so that they have become a thing of mystery and anxiety to seniors. The current system is understandable—if not to students at least to teachers. It prevents kids (or their parents) from taking up arms to go to their teacher's house, knocking on their front door and demanding a recommendation letter more complimentary to their college repertoire.

Students experimenting with taking multiple science courses and multiplying their math courses by two have long been prevalent at Saratoga High. Multiple English classes, however? Frailty, thy name is the SHS English Department’s concurrent AP enrollment policy.

The Sadie Hawkins Dance has always served as the cherry on top the delicious treat that is Spring Fling Week. For most students, it is the part of the spirit-based week that they enjoy the most. This year, however, many have raised unnecessary complaints about the change of date for the annual Sadies dance: it will be held on Feb. 27, departing from its usual slot as part of the week-long celebration in March. The change, which was made by ASB in order to provide the school with another informal dance, is a positive one and receive students’ support.