First of all it is well known that if a student has a weapon in his or her possession then they will be expelled. “I think that to keep our school safe, that only police should be allowed to have weapons,” says Tony Garvey, senior student, “and even for self defense kids shouldn’t have weapons.” Why are some things considered weapons though? Laser pointers are one of those things on the list. Laser pointers are found attached to weapons sometimes. Even if it is not attached to a gun of any kind it can still harm the eyes and make someone blind. Pepper-spray is also listed as a weapon. Pepper-spray is necessary in some situations, but not at school. Matt Garvy, Social Studies and Criminal Justice teacher says, “I don’t think there should be any weapons on school campus, unless it’s on a campus officer.” If pepper-spray for example, were used on another student, or even a teacher, he or she could be allergic to the chemicals and die from getting sprayed.

If the school knows about the weapon the school goes on lock-down in most cases. For example, last year someone threatened the students that were heading to their classes, the whole school went on lock-down, and nearby schools were warned as well. After the area was safe the students were sent home. It is obvious that the school takes weapons very seriously. It will be even more obvious if weapons are ever brought on campus.

If students want, they can always get to their class on time, according to school ofiicials.

Most of the students who are tardy complain about classes being too far from their previous class and explain it as a reason of being tardy. Some parts of the campus are usually too crowded during passing periods, like the stairs in C building, the corridor in the A building etc. Students those who really try to be on time, feel it, as the teacher is being unfair.

“Being late to school or class is a horrible habit, and I try to improve it but sometimes I just get stuck in a crowd, or there are people blocking my way,” said Becca Duncan, sophomore, when asked about why she is late.

Students who make an effort to make it on time for their class use a number factors. By speed walking to their class,  five minutes are enough for them to go from one class to another. Although many of the corridors and stairways are crowded,  they can make a plan and choose a route that could be long, but might take them faster to their class. Maps of classes are located outside buildings. Students also have a map of the whole school in their agendas on page 28. “Though it’s my second year in DV, I still have to search for my classes, and get to them on time. They can highlight their classes and routes they can use, to get to their classes on time,” Duncan said.

Teachers may also face the issue of the best method for dealing with students who are tardy to class. If a student is tardy, they owe the teacher that time. The teachers can stress to students that without excellent attendance and punctuality, credits cannot be earned.

Each student has different friends and what works with one group of students might not be as effective with another.