WOODSIDE HIGH SCHOOL- With seniors choosing between college visits and class time, the missed class time is a necessary evil causing teacher to feel both frustration and excitement.

“It’s not like kids are missing class and doing something bad. I think that I must feel differently than some of the teachers,” Mrs. Matavulj stated in regard to student’s’ absences from class.

There could be worse things that seniors and other grade levels are skipping class for, so why is missing class to work on bettering one’s future such a big deal?

“There are things that happen in class that can not be duplicated,” Mrs. Camera stated in regard to the drawback of missing class.

Missing challenging classes, tests, or quizzes makes the choice difficult; most exercises students can make up however new techniques in the classroom such as socratic discussions and peer reviews creates conflict between the student, teacher, and their grade.

Since there is so much for seniors to do in their last year of high school, the office administration and guidance counselors try to make it as easy as possible.

“If we could cram it all into a single day like we do College Day, that would be good, but the truth is that it takes more than one day to do that,” Principal Burbank explained.

The amount of effort it takes to apply to college makes things very hard on both students and staff. Because there is a branch of time to meet with all seniors applying to colleges, the staff does their very best to help all.

“I think we do a good job of keeping students and parents informed. It’s not an easy task,” Ms. Camera said.

The process is long and since it requires much attendance and attention, having workshops and visits on campus is one of the easiest alternatives.

A lot of high schoolers are involved in extracurricular activities so they have no spare time, outside of school, to ask questions and meet with representatives. The colleges are also meeting with other high schools so this poses a problem as well.

Principal Burbank agrees that “there is that tension between college recruiter’s schedule…you try to provide the information and the access but the question is timing.”

“I don’t know what the answer is because a lot the college visits are important and some of the UC workshops, those are important too,” Mrs. Camera expressed.

There is not a definite solution to stop the absence of students in school because both the end of high school and the entry to college are important. There should, however, be a balance between the two important ideals.

“My opinion is that we need to understand that we have a lot of responsibilities and one of the responsibilities of the school is to introduce you to colleges and get you ready for college, Mrs. Matavulj commented.