Your independent guide to NYC public schools

Dear Judy.

My son, who is a senior, is about to drop out of school. He is very frustrated because the school gave him a full day schedule, and classes that he doesn't need and that he is taking with 9, 10 and 11 graders. The school said that their policy is that seniors have to attend full day. They are not offering college classes or any other classes that students can benefit from.Is there anything I can do?

Luz

Dear Luz

Your son is not alone in experiencing "senioritis." Students who finish their diploma requirements by the end of junior year or first semester of senior year ask: why am I still here, when I could be out in the world? Of course, mid-March is not the most convenient time to start thinking about leaving - in effect he would be dropping out. If he walks out in the middle of the year without a diploma, he will face problems down the road attending college, joining the service, and getting good jobs. If he had planned earlier, he might have been able to enliven the 12^th grade with internships and co-op work situations, and taken electives in subjects that interest him that he didn't have time for before. But if he leaves three months before graduation, what will he do? Even though he has fallen prey to senioritis, and the tendency to laze about at loose ends, there are better ways to use 12^th grade.

You haven't told me what school he attends, so I can't be specific. Many large schools do give kids a short day in senior year if they have only a few courses to complete, however, since your school has a stated policy to require a full day, your son is stuck with it.

First things first, make sure he does have all the credits he needs to graduate. Check his report cards and ask the guidance counselor if there is any doubt. If necessary, he can use his remaining time to make up a missing gym or Regents requirement. Credits established, look for ways to cut through his boredom: most high schools rely on student help in the office, audio-visual squad, after school activities - a way to fill the time, maybe learn a new skill. Or, how about joining the committee to plan the senior prom, work on the yearbook, or raise money for the class trip, and other senior activities.

Marking time in 12^th grade is an old concern, but with the huge budget gaps that most cities and states are facing, the topic has gained attention recently. Proposals to do away with senioritis by doing away with twelfth grade entirely are being offered as a money saver. According to Sam Dillon, writing in the New York Times, eight states (Connecticut, Kentucky, Maine, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont) will start a pilot program next year to allow students as young as 10^th graders to test out of high school with diplomas, and continue at community college. Arizona has offered grants of $2000 to students who graduate early and enroll in a public or private college in the state.

To delve into the issue further, see an article published in New York Times, February 25 by Walter Kirn. He describes a senioritis culture that, while it does not sound like a New York City kid's experience, does lay out a case for letting kids graduate without marking time in 12^th grade.

There are only a few months left so please work with the school to keep your son from dropping out!

Good luck, Judy