So-called "Senioritis"

December is here - we are almost in 2008! While we all (staff included) share in the excitement of the New Year, PHS staff do not recognize "Senioritis" as a valid excuse - for anything!

I have received numerous requests to change second semester schedules - not something that we recommend! If you have been admitted to a college and change your schedule, we MUST inform the college of the change. They may change their mind about wanting you in their entering class.

I have also heard, "well, it doesn't matter - it's not like anyone is going to see my grades for my senior year." WRONG! We send out mid-year and final transcripts. Also, included in your transcript is a copy of your report card. So even if you get a B on your transcript, they may see your failing final exam grade.

How can we work through senioritis? Be educated on the "causes" and symptoms. Also, be vigilant in not accepting it! For example, if you (as a parent) went to work and said, "Oh, I didn't do that because it's not like it matters, no one outside of here is going to see the information," would you still have a job? I wouldn't! School - especially senior year - is to prepare our students for future employment. We need to make sure we maintain our expectations.

What is "senioritis"?

According to wikipedia, "Senioritis is a colloquial term used in the United States and Canada to describe the decreased motivation toward studies displayed by students who are nearing the end of their high school careers. By definition, Senioritis is not due to the direct physiological effects of a general medical condition such as hypothyroidism or insomnia but is typically said to include: slowness, procrastination, apathy regarding school work, a feeling of entitlement or privilege and a tendency toward truancy, malingering or feigning illness in order to avoid presence in a school setting, cognitive impairments, and changes in sleep patterns. Many high school students find themselves in a type of lame duck situation: their plans are made and a new chapter in their life is about to begin, so finishing the current chapter (the current term separating them from graduation) becomes just a formality or "holding pattern." Even though high school seniors tend to be the bulk of the victims, high school juniors and sophomores are also known to have it.

Senioritis usually results in a withdrawal from school-related extracurricular activities and school spirit events and a reduced concern for social acceptance, instead focusing on graduation (and the end of compulsory school) in June and/or acceptance to college in September. It can also manifest as increased social and extra-curricular activity, which comes at the expense of academic duties, with the student preferring to "have fun" rather than work academically."

What to watch for:

• declining grades
• declining motivation
• constant commenting, "Well I'm a senior now..." or "I'm 18 - you can't do anything about it."
• declining participation in activities
• increased sleeping, watching tv, video game use
• increased socializing OUTSIDE of school and school activities
• increased contacts from teachers
• request to drop a class or change a schedule for second semester

Why it is important to monitor:

1. College Applications: When students are admitted to college, it is based on their FINAL grades. Admission can -- and has -- been rescinded based on final transcripts.
2. Employment: Even if a student isn't attending college, they will still have to work. Their decreased performance in high school will be seen by employers and will impact job interviews.
3. Scholarships: Do you need help paying for college? Again, it is the FINAL GPA that counts. We have had several students who have lost scholarships based on their final GPA.

For more information, see:

College Board - What to do about senioritis
Time Magazine - How to Combat Senioritis