Whether you are currently a senior or eagerly awaiting your year at the top of the pyramid, there are many privileges to look forward to. As each school year comes to a close, the juniors anticipate the promise of exclusive rights allotted to their class. From well-known benefits like the senior lounge to implied liberties such as first dibs on courtyard tables, there are quite a few to appreciate. While some benefits are pretty straightforward, others require student action and participation. To find out more about what needs to be done, I spoke with the administration for a senior privilege breakdown in an attempt to clarify any confusion so seniors know exactly what to do in order to attain these benefits.
It is safe to argue the most well-known and envied of all privileges is the senior lounge. Known across the grades as strictly off-limits to all but the seniors, it is a great place to get work done or just hang out. Recently, however, there has been some confusion about when seniors are actually allowed to go to the lounge, and there has been a supposed “ban” instated regarding this limitation. Mrs. GG noted that there is in fact not a ban, but that study hall teachers were discouraged from sending students to the lounge due to an incident where seniors were being disruptive in the hallways and trying to leave early. Regardless, in all study halls, there is a 45-minute quiet period where students are encouraged to focus and get work done and are thus not permitted to visit the lounge. Dr. Lupo says, however, that even after these first 45 minutes it is unlikely seniors will be allowed to the lounge until early outs are granted. With that being said, there is an exemption for official college visits. According to admin, any senior should be allowed to the senior lounge if they wish to visit the college set up there. It is my understanding though, that until major deadlines such as college submissions and standardized testing, admin prefers students remain in their study halls for the best chance at efficiently completing work. Mr. Perlmutter emphasized the importance of utilizing this time because as a parent himself, he “wishes that teachers were doing the same for his daughter,” and says seniors need to be working on college applications, specifically the Common App and Naviance.
This leads to another anticipated privilege: senior early outs. It is not clear when exactly seniors will be allowed to leave study hall at 2:30, but according to Mr. Perlmutter, they will most likely go into effect on October 15, 2024. He feels this is the best date because it is the day of SAT/ACT in-school testing, meaning that most students will be done with their standardized tests. Mr. Perlmutter wants seniors to use study hall time leading up to this date to prepare for these tests which is why early outs will most likely not be granted until the 15th.
It is important to note there are various requirements seniors must meet in order to receive this privilege, as it is not guaranteed. These conditions include: having a 75 or higher in all classes, no missed major assignments, Naviance senior profile and Common App (including essay) completed, IGP scheduled, teacher recs requested, no parking lot/driving violations (this includes seniors parking in the junior lot), no referrals of level 2 or higher, and at least 80 hours of community service. A copy of the checklist was recently released and can be accessed on the Class of 2025 canvas page; however, it is from last year and changes may be made, so admin has requested parents and students not print this version as there will be an updated one in time for early outs. Seniors, keep in mind that early outs are a privilege and thus can be revoked at any time, and failure to maintain these standards will result in losing your early out! Additionally, Mrs. GG would like students to be aware that these terms are non-negotiable, violating even a single demand cannot be reversed or relieved in any way. For example, if you get a referral before early outs begin, there is nothing you can do to expunge it until potentially after the second semester.
Another big privilege for seniors is the infamous senior lot. Unless you’ve been living under a rock these first few weeks of
school, you have probably witnessed the great race many seniors partake in, running to their cars in an attempt to avoid the otherwise inevitable traffic. This raises the question of why the junior lot isn’t the senior lot, considering it is much quicker and easier leaving school. According to Mr. Perlmutter, the senior lot with 149 spots compared to the junior lot’s 60 allows for every senior to have a place to park. This is certainly an advantage for those who were unable to get a spot in the junior lot last year due to the limited number. Additionally, Mr. Perlmutter argues once early outs have begun, the senior lot proves to be more practical for the school as a whole in terms of lessening carpool traffic. While the senior lot may be seen as a hassle to many, we are granted the ability to paint our parking spots, which no other grades are allowed to do. This is a creative privilege that allows seniors to express their artistic sides with a fun design on their designated spot.
Finally, there are some less acknowledged senior privileges that deserve some recognition, including the ability to exempt finals. For many AP and honors classes, seniors who receive an overall A in the class are allowed to be exempted from the final, but not AP exams. This is a great incentive to encourage students with “senioritis” to try and keep their grades up. Another prerogative is the seniors’ front-row seats to all football games. If you have been to a home game, you may be familiar with the chant telling freshmen to move back! These fun and interactive chants come from the spirit leaders, a role reserved only for seniors.
