Finals week is a stressful time here at S.H.S., with long hours spent on studying to the stressful idea of it being a big exam. Final exemptions are in place to help reward students who have earned the privilege to do so. Every S.H.S. student has the opportunity to be awarded a final exemption and to maintain these exemptions, students have to have 95% attendance, no disciplinary actions, and at least a B or higher in the class of exemption.
While this criteria might seem easy, it is much easier said than done. Usually at this point in the semester, students struggle to maintain grades above a B which makes the exemption so rewarding. Additionally, students that struggle to stay out of trouble will not be eligible for the exemption. Attendance can also be an issue when students have taken time off for sickness, mental health days, or family emergencies, these days start to add up.
Some helpful tips to keep these exemptions is to make sure students are staying on top of their grades. Stay after school or after class if they are struggling or ask teachers for help, that’s what they’re there for. Making sure they’re turning their work in on time and it’s quality work is also very important to help maintain their grades.
Senior Alivia Gibson said, “I’m maintaining my good grades, keeping my attendance good, turning my homework in on time, and being a good active student.”
To maintain attendance, students should allow themselves enough time to get to class and go from class to class to eliminate any tardies that can not only affect their attendance but also their disciplinary actions. Students should also ensure that they are not skipping school as these days will count up in the end.
Senior Lilianna Cantu said, “I am making sure I do well on my tests and quizzes to maintain my good grades.”
Eliminating any disciplinary actions is quite simple as students just need to stay out of trouble, don’t get in fights, and don’t add up five or more tardies which could result in a detention.
Seniors can even get up to five final exemptions and ultimately exempt most if not all of their classes.
Final exemptions are a rewarding time to help students ease into their break which is why students should work hard to maintain these exemptions.
