Senior students at St. Mary’s International School can finally leave the campus during study hall or free periods. This was done after meeting with the Student Council. To qualify, students must be on campus between 8:25 a.m. and 3:25 p.m., report to their study hall administrator, and sign out properly. “Some of our students articulated this as something that they wanted, and we wanted to make an effort and listen to student voice,” Assistant High School Principal Mr. Bayfield said. “Having discussed the safety implications, we decided this group should be entrusted with this responsibility, and so far, they have not let us down.”
A parent/guardian permission slip, available at the high school office, must be signed and returned by March 3rd. Once approved, students will receive a plastic ID card, which must be left at the front reception desk when departing and picked up upon return. If a student loses his or her card, off-campus privilege will be revoked. When asked if lower grades could be given this privilege in the future, Mr. Bayfield responded, “It’s something we may consider if this goes well.”
The administration reserves the right to take away this privilege at any moment for misconduct, tardiness, or disciplinary issues. Student Council played a key role in advocating for this policy. “They advocated respectfully and peacefully,” Mr. Bayfield explained. “This group is very mature, and we felt they were ready for this added piece of responsibility.” Seniors are to use this privilege responsibly and abide by school guidelines to maintain the privilege.
