We are officially in the final months of the school year. It is the final stretch—full of last-minute cramming, chapter tests and AP exams. As many students are aware, the last three days of school at Brighton High School are exam days. Each day has two regular hours, followed by two exam blocks. This contrasts with the younger grades in elementary and middle school, who enjoy field days instead. This is where the controversy appears. Is it better to save exams for the last couple of days, or is it better to fill our final days at BHS with fun and laughter?
Aubrey Blush believes keeping exams at the end of the year is necessary for keeping students accountable. Nobody would show up on the last day of school if we didn’t have exams because there would be no point in attending. For Blush, exam days help wrap up the year in a structured, meaningful way. She argues that fun and games are important, but they shouldn’t replace the sense of accomplishment that comes from finishing a tough course on a strong note.
Senior Brenna Waid said, “Oh yeah, if we did not have exams on the last day of school, I would not show up because my friends and I would find something fun to do outside of school instead.”
Gabby Giorgio feels that the last days of school should be field days because few students want to take exams during the last week of school. By that time, their heads are filled with summer dreams, not chemistry equations. The last exams of the year are by far Giorgio’s worst-performing exams because she isn’t focused. Also, high school is known as a time for making memories. Giorgio wonders what could be more memorable than watching your fellow classmates race through bounce houses or throw water balloons at each other. Some may argue that people won’t show up to field days; however, Giorgio disagrees. She feels that the desire to have fun with your friends for free will be irresistible for high school students.
One student seems to agree with Giorgio’s point of view.
Ezrielle Martin said, “I think the last few days of school should be field days because no one is going to be locked in for exams when summer is just around the corner. The majority of students are going to score much lower on their exams if they are on the last few days of school, rather than if they were a week before.”
It seems that Giorgio crushed this week’s round of Opposing Sides. An Instagram poll taken by the BHS Times found that 89% of students would rather have a fun day over exams on the last day of school. Blush better pick up the slack…
