Students Respond to Administration's Decisions at Dixon High

The mood among students at is not upbeat. 

Last Friday several students donned black in protest to a that black would no longer be the primary color on Dixon Rams' home uniforms. The decision to remove black was a move to reclaim school tradition, Principal John Barsotti said. 

The school's official colors are green and white. Some students have said that the removal of the color is a affront on the school's identity. In the most recent edition of the DHS Telegram, columnist Ameet Sharma talks about a different topic that has students in an uproar.

A recent newsletter (attached to this story) sent out by Dixon High School's administration encourages students to stay through sixth period at , and also encourages them to take on a seven-period day, instead of six.

The zero period, which is essentially a class that begins about an hour before school starts, gives students the opportunity to take an extra course. The day starts early for the student, hence the student leaves early (if they are only taking six courses at Dixon High that is). But the recent push to have students stay through the sixth period at Dixon High School, has upset many students, many of them who use the extra hour (zero period) to attend jobs, or get some extra studying in.

DHS Columnist Sharma spoke to Principal Barsotti who told the young columnist that "more knowledge is a good thing," according to the story. And that all students should strive to take seven courses through the day and use zero period for what is was meant for -- to complete as much of their schooling at high school, where it's cheaper. 

But Sharma argues that leaving an hour early gives students the opportunity to get a taste of the real world and pursue jobs, studies, or interests that best fit their lives and those of their families. Sharma states that the administration has the ultimate power in making the decisions and that parents and students should have more of a say.

Another major concern that students have is a restrictive contract at Dixon High dances. In order to participate at school dances, such as the prom, students are made to sign a contract with such stipulations as the following dancing guidelines:

• Dancers must stay upright, with both feet on the floor.
• Face to face dancing is preferred, but not mandatory.
• Front-to-back is acceptable with no excessive bending, leaning over, or grinding.
• No grinding. Grabbing of the neck, shoulder, waist, and/or hip and pulling it front-to-back is prohibited.
• Boys looking down at midsection, grabbing hips and thrusting back and forth is also not allowed.
• No inappropriate touching. Hands on waist or shoulders only.
• No “making out” or overt prolonged public displays of affection.

The contract aims to curb such things as 'freaking' at school dances, and also has stipulations within it that govern everything from how students enter and exit the dance and what the students wear.

Are the students just being teenagers and groaning at the decisions of the school staff? Should they have more of a say at what happens at Dixon High? Where do the parents fall into this equation and what kind of say should they have? Voice your opinion in the comments section.