Within the past 3 years, James Monroe Middle school has gone through a series of changes, ranging from a change in student incentives and a change in dress code to much more significant ones, such as a change in administration and bell schedules. Over the past years, one big change many students and teachers have noticed is a change in student behavior throughout the campus of over 950 students and over 50 faculty members. Many are now wondering what kind of behavior changes the middle school students at James Monroe are exhibiting, and what might be the cause of it.
Students and faculty members at James Monroe have noticed negative behavior changes at our school, such as a downfall in students' academic grades, and following “bad trends” in order to make themselves look “cool”. Pauline Nelson, an eighth grader at Monroe, says she feels students are using the kindness and openness to new ideas from our principal to make excuses to do whatever they want. Another student, Katarina Montoya, says “Overall I believe that the behavior changes at James Monroe have been negative.” Sixth grade Earth Science teacher of over 15 years, Michael Clark agrees, noting that over the past years he has seen a decline in students’ passion for academics, with them choosing to worry about their social hierarchy instead.
While some made note of the negativity, other students and staff members believe that the school has gone through a lot of positive changes. James Monroe counselor Sheila Barbour, who has much experience with students and their behavior due to her job, says she thinks for the most part the changes have been positive, elaborating on the fact that our attendance overall has improved and believes that students’ academic drive has remained good. Cheyenne DeNino, an eighth grade student, says she believes as a result of pep rallies and assemblies that have been added this year, James Monroe has had more positivity and school spirit. While she does believe the school has gone through some negative changes, she thinks the positives are more notable, saying, “I think the positives outweigh the negatives.”
Students and faculty members at James Monroe have noticed negative behavior changes at our school, such as a downfall in students' academic grades, and following “bad trends” in order to make themselves look “cool”. Pauline Nelson, an eighth grader at Monroe, says she feels students are using the kindness and openness to new ideas from our principal to make excuses to do whatever they want. Another student, Katarina Montoya, says “Overall I believe that the behavior changes at James Monroe have been negative.” Sixth grade Earth Science teacher of over 15 years, Michael Clark agrees, noting that over the past years he has seen a decline in students’ passion for academics, with them choosing to worry about their social hierarchy instead.
While some made note of the negativity, other students and staff members believe that the school has gone through a lot of positive changes. James Monroe counselor Sheila Barbour, who has much experience with students and their behavior due to her job, says she thinks for the most part the changes have been positive, elaborating on the fact that our attendance overall has improved and believes that students’ academic drive has remained good. Cheyenne DeNino, an eighth grade student, says she believes as a result of pep rallies and assemblies that have been added this year, James Monroe has had more positivity and school spirit. While she does believe the school has gone through some negative changes, she thinks the positives are more notable, saying, “I think the positives outweigh the negatives.”