Groundhog day or Day 1?

Day 1 recently occurred three times in one six-day cycle. Principal Mr. Andrew Rantz said it is the easiest way to bring students together.

Day 1 Pride is used as a homeroom because it is “one [day] where we can get things accomplished because we can always revert back to it and it’s simple and easy,” Mr. Rantz said.

According to Mr. Rantz, completing student data folders, Positive Action lessons and scheduling for next cycle are all activities reserved for Day 1. He added Day 1 is also used for handing back school pictures and yearbooks, distributing information and PC NOW placement testing.

Mr. Rantz said he is the one who sets Day 1 Pride activities on non-Day 1 days. He added Days 2 through 6 are reserved for students to go and get extra help, make up work and meet with clubs, advisors or teachers.

Math Club Advisor Ms. Maggie Gola said her club has only missed one meting due to Pride being adjusted. “It has been difficult for Math Club because we have been trying to prepare for our upcoming math competitions and every meeting counts,” she added.

FFA Advisor Mr. David Bittner said FFA had to reschedule meetings twice due to changes in the Pride schedule.

Mr. Rantz said missed club meetings could be made up between 7:30-8 a.m., another day in the Pride cycle or sometime after school. All meetings need to be approved by the club advisor, Mr. Rantz added.

Mr. Rantz said he tries to hold Day 1 “sacred” and does not want students going anywhere else on those days. He added he tries to hold true that Days 2 through 6 are time for teachers and students to focus on academic work. He added changes can be frustrating for teachers because they rely on Pride Time in order to do these things.

According to Mr. Rantz, students are to report to their Day 1 pride on a non-Day 1 day in the future only when indicated by him through email.