by Emily Gowans
CORRESPONDENT
Tooele South High School is an alternative school that is meant for 10th to 12th grade students who need a little extra help. Sometimes the school is looked at as a school for troubled kids, but each student has their own reasons for being there.
When I get up every morning, I don't get that feeling of not wanting to go to school like I used to. South campus has helped me find the desire to actually get up and go to school. I love looking back at the progress I have made since my first day there. South campus has helped me realize that things are possible and that I can succeed.
With only about 70 students, teachers are able to spend more one-on-one time with each individual student. This is a big help in many students' lives, and can sometimes make a significant difference in attitudes, grades and attendance. The faculty works extremely hard to help boost the morale of their students. Whether it's helping them make up lost credits or increase grades, the faculty gladly goes the distance.
At South campus there is less trouble with students sluffing than at other high schools because policy restricts students from driving themselves to school. This prevents leaving between classes unless the student is checked out by a parent or guardian.
Sounds strict, but it works.
While the negatives are probably the first things that come to people's minds when South campus is mentioned, the only negative thing that comes to my mind is that the school has no cafeteria. The students have to order lunch each day. This means that every morning before 9 a.m. the student has to decide what they want to eat that day for lunch and sign up for that choice. Then at 9 a.m. this paper is faxed to Clarke N. Johnsen Junior High School and they deliver the food out to the campus before lunch period.
It's a small complaint about a school that has given me a lot.
So please erase the negatives and focus on the positive opportunities that Tooele South High School brings to struggling students throughout the valley.