EDITORIAL: Meaningful schedules aren’t crammed with opens

For underclassmen, scheduling is over and done. Electives have been selected, opens have been placed as strategically as possible. And here at the Stampede, we’re feeling the effects of a high school populus desperate for as much free time as possible.
Seniors are allowed up to three opens (when in good academic standing), but more and more juniors and sophomores are clawing for free periods. And classes that don’t fall under core requirements — like the Stampede and Russellog — are feeling the consequences from this search for fewer classes.
As students, we all experience some boredom. Some subjects simply don’t interest us, and without much freedom of choice lackadaisical days are to be expected at the high school level. But if students took the time to crack open CMR’s course catalog, they’d be surprised at the variety of offerings this school supplies.
Oftentimes, we are so focused on fulfilling this fine art credit or that career technical semester that we forget there are a multitude of options to satisfy not a requirement, but a passion. Culinary arts, computer programming, fashion design, power tech, sculpture, or guitar classes aren’t offered to fill up space in a handbook. These are chances to enjoy school, to take a well-deserved break between algebra and biology. We urge students to not miss out on learning new skills or making friends for a chance to grab coffee or go home early.
High school is free (for students, at least). College isn’t. Many kids capitalize on what could be open periods and get a head start earning college credit. If you aren’t interested in an elective, add a dual-credit class to your schedule. You’ll thank yourself later.
We aren’t advising students to skip the fun and load up on classes senior year. But the Stampede staff enjoys their time in room 326. We learn life skills like working on deadline or maintaining strong lines of communication. We form long-lasting friendships. We have fun…something that, in our opinion, isn’t as prevalent as it should be at the high school level.
This is not a plea for students to sign up for newspaper or yearbook next year. It’s an appeal to consider what you can do to make your high school experience the best it can be.
But we’re always looking for writers, photographers, or students just looking for a place to belong. There’s something for everyone in room 326.