Out-of-bounds Skyline students were left floundering after FOCUS would only allow them to make class requests for the schools they were zoned for. Digital class selections were opened January 28 and closed February 2. These selections were done through the FOCUS program, which is new this year to Granite School District.
FOCUS is replacing Gradebook, which was used in years past to keep track of students’ grades, classes, and other important information. Some of these students wish that Granite had not switched programs at all, as Gradebook had far fewer problems on the students’ end. “We all know the saying ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” stated Cal Tabet, a Freshman at Skyline who lives out of bounds. “Gradebook worked well for years, [Skyline’s] previous course selection application was great, and Canvas works better.”
Tabet’s opinion that Granite should switch back to Gradebook is not shared by everyone. When asked if the school district should change programs yet again, Jo Foster, another out-of-bounds student, had a different insight. “Heck no. Teachers and staff were struggling with the change from Gradebook and it would make it harder on all of us,” Foster said. “If they switch, it means they have to relearn and that means that our grades will be late.”
Even after they were enrolled at Skyline, many out-of-bounds students were still unable to enter class requests at all, while for others it was near impossible to request a class they were repeating, such as Wind Ensemble or Dance Company.
Counselors had devised a plan to try and keep commotion to a minimum. Instead of solely relying on online course selection, they also had all students turn in a paper copy of the course requests they wanted to make. Students, however, were skeptical about this plan stating things such as, “I don’t think the papers are worth it,” and, “It’s all more work than it needs to be.” Many brought up the fact that class selections last year didn’t require a paper copy.
Out-of-bounds students were also left to wonder whether they would even get into the classes they wanted, because they couldn’t input requests until days later. “I’m a lower priority since I’m inputting my classes last,” said Tabet. “Plus, I’m out of bounds, so I’m an even lower priority.”
Even the students who live inside school boundaries also wondered about whether or not their peers would get into the classes they wanted. “I think I’m fine,” said Sydney Thompson, a Freshman who lives within bounds. “But I think for others if they use a first come first serve it could definitely affect them.”
Despite all these challenges, the district shows no plans of changing programs yet again. The best thing to do is hope that these issues get resolved before class selections next year.
