School Spirit....Where Did It Go?

As a graduate of GHS and a new staff member here, I often wonder where all of the school spirit has gone. Those wonderful stories of "when I was in school" are coming to my mind on an almost weekly basis as I see what is different at school these days. I understand that the kids are different now than when I was in school, but the basic activities are the same except there is a lack of school pride. The students are not interested in cheering their classmates on at a home sporting event or celebrating a job well done by the music department or scholar's bowl team. It used to be "cool" to be a member of any organization whether it be academic or athletic and that pride carried over in to each student's academic performance. Now, we struggle with attendance at school events and at school in general. It is disappointing that the activities that have been taken away from the students were once such a fun activity in which to participate. It is a shame that school spirit is so lacking. I am proud to have graduated from GHS and want all of the students to feel that way when their high school education is complete. What can we do as a staff to bring it back?

Laptop Check Out

I am concerned, as I am sure you are as well, about the number of students that are on the down and ineligible lists. The next thing that concerns me is that the laptop check out list seems to mirror those two lists. It is my thought that the privilege of checking out a laptop should be earned and we should reward those students who have passing grades. What are your thoughts on eliminating check out for students who are on the down and the ineligible lists? What complications do you see that this procedure might cause? Will this affect your classroom projects? Are you in favor of this procedure? Why or why not?