Kids come to school to learn and in return they are assigned homework to reinforce the lesson. Many students do their homework but what about those few students who choose not to do their assignment.

The American History classes have decided to test out a program called the Zero Tolerance policy. This program was designed to enforce the importance of homework. Students who do not turn in an assignment are assigned to stay after school in Roger Sunderman’s room, 162.

The second time they do not turn in their assignment it is up to the administration to decide what happens. One punishment involves revoking class privileges. The teachers will not accept failure.

“Looking back at my classes,” Sunderman said, “there were a lot of kids getting zeros. I think a structured environment is better than waiting around for a couple of days until the assignment is done.”

Junior Kathryn Boltz does not have a problem with the idea.

“I think it is a smart way to make students do their homework,” Boltz said. “This way they will understand history more. If the students do not do their homework then half our school would be failing, and that is not acceptable.”

Junior Phil Hartwig disagrees with the policy and would rather keep the current system.

“I’m involved in sports for every season,” Hartwig said. “The coaches do not like the players to be late for practices. Besides, if the kid doesn’t want to do any of the homework, give him a zero.”

One problem this program has is that it is after school.

“Staying after school is thought of as a punishment,” Sunderman said. “But this program is here to help and that is the only time available for now. But since this program is new we are looking for ways to improve what’s going on right now; these changes cannot be made right away. Hopefully by third quarter we will see the obvious things that are wrong and just see how effective it is.”

The American History department is not the only ones applying the Zero Tolerance policy; calculus teacher Mr. Tim Higgins is trying a similar policy.

“I call it the after school plan,” Higgins said. “It is not the same as the Zero Tolerance policy. I talked to Mr. Opperman last year and now we are just going to see if there is an improvement in kids.”

The students are not forced to come to the after school plan. If they choose not to come then they choose to fail. If they decide to come they fill out a think sheet for half credit. The second time they receive no credit but the assignment is still due.

“Kids probably do not like this because they may feel like they are being watched,” Higgins said. “I would like to have tutors come in from advance, math classes to help out some of the kids.”

This plan has not gone into full effect but it is on its way. The teachers are trying to do anything to help their students pass their classes, and they believe zero tolerance and similar programs are a great way to help students.