Fairmont Area Schools

this app is good until you remember they spent a total of $17,000 to get an app like this. really could be better. i’m calling you out erik walker. also bring back flexing because school is just gonna make my mental health issues skyrocket without flexing;)

The app is fine, I don’t really see it being extremely useful when an email newsletter could certainly serve the same purpose, but it works. But what I do want to talk about is the schools policies regarding flexing and fast. Flexing was a great system that allowed for student choice and the ability to take responsibility for your own learning without the distraction of a classroom full of students trying to understand the same thing. It worked well for students who wanted a quiet envoirment to work, students who wanted a small group setting, and students who finished earlier to work on other work for other classes or take a break without distracting others. There may have been adequate reasons in the administrations eyes to take away this system, but none the less the system was one of the best things available for a student at FJSHS, but due to the administration enacting policies without student input or support despite having multiple ways in which to do so, such as the student advisory council, students and their learning are made to suffer.

When it comes to learning and being in a healthy environment, it’s best to keep things consistent. I’ve only been a student at fhs for about 4 years and already I’ve seen AT LEAST 5 major changes. FAST was a fantastic idea, so why get rid of it? It was a great way to let students relax and/or get things done (especially if these students don’t have a study hall and/or are taking many honor’s classes). That brings me to flex and the removal of it. Flex was a great way to let students do work with some freedom, such as eating food, talking with friends, and relaxing. Most schools’ goal is to get kids ready for college, and one component of college is having freedom in learning. And, it’s a lot less stressful to do work in the Commons or Media Center than it is to do work in a classroom. Also, the younger grades looked forward to be able to flex and the year that they finally can, flex is removed. Stop changing things, it’s very frustrating and causes stress for students, especially when they’ve been waiting for this for so long.