Shanna's Final Centner Thoughts

I have been at Centner Academy since the end of fifth grade, and while it has brought me many happy moments, I have also observed several areas that are in need of improvement. To begin, something that often frustrates me is the lack of clear and coordinated communication between the staff, administration, and students. For instance, important information about major events is often sent out only a week, sometimes just days, before the event. It is unclear whether this is due to forgetfulness or a belief that such short notice is sufficient. Regardless of the reason, it is essential for the school to improve its communication practices in order to prevent confusion, avoid misunderstandings, and reduce failures to complete tasks caused by delayed information.

Additionally, since the school has a small number of students, I sometimes feel isolated. The limited number of students makes it challenging to find peers with similar interests or to form close friendships. In contrast, larger schools have more opportunities for students to connect with peers who share similar interests. However, I do appreciate the benefits that come with smaller class sizes such as a quiet environment, fewer distractions, and increased individual attention from the teachers which has helped me better understand material, since the teachers are more focused on each student.

I have also noticed that the school sometimes fails to follow through on its commitments. For example, there have been several occasions when I asked teachers or staff to complete a task they agreed to, but it was never done. I have been promised vegetarian food at the school dances, changes in the student council election process, and more elective options, all of which have yet to happen or are now too late to address. This lack of follow-through makes me frustrated and unsupported, making me feel that I can’t fully trust the administration to fulfill its commitments. In a small school, I want to feel that I can rely on the faculty to support me and follow through on their responsibilities.

I also wish there were more clubs and extracurricular activities available. As a high school student, participating in clubs and other activities is important for building a strong transcript for applying to college. I have requested that the administration add more opportunities, but these requests have not been fulfilled, which reinforces the concern that the school doesn’t follow through on its commitments. Furthermore, I sometimes feel that certain students are allowed to engage in disruptive behaviour, making it difficult for me to stay focused and complete my work.

On a positive note, the school offers strong academics and I genuinely feel that the teachers care about both our grades and our understanding of the material. I appreciate that the teachers are willing to work with us to ensure we stay on track, offering extensions on due dates when necessary and allowing us to complete any missing assignments.

While I generally feel comfortable at the school, I find that the negative aspects often outweigh the positive ones. I will always love the school but I’m uncertain if I will truly be happy if I continue my high school years here.

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ABOUT SHANNA

Shanna is a 9th-grader taking her first journalism class at Centner Academy. She is responsible for writing captions and brief introductions for articles, as well as designing the physical copy of the Pollinator Post. Shanna is passionate about writing reviews and conducting interviews. Outside of journalism, Shanna also enjoys ballet.