This school year, SHS made a change by doing away with agendas for the students. This is the first year the school has not used them, so they have yet to decide if it is for the better.

Guidance Counselor Tricia Bender says the school is encouraging students to try and do everything online. This generation is moving further into technology. By getting rid of agendas, students can start to move more online.

“For some students, yes, I believe (no agenda) works for them,” Bender said. “However, I still believe some students still need that physical agenda in front of them.”

Bender says for the students who need to stay organized, the bookstore is selling generic planners. They are not actual agendas, but it’s something to keep students organized.

For seniors Jason Dockery and Romell Phillips, they do not like the idea of removing agendas from school. The two agree that they have become less organized without a sign post. They dislike not having something to keep track of how often they leave class or when assignments are due.

Dockery says the school event calendar, which was located in the back of the agenda, isn’t as handy. It is harder to know when students have lunches and to remember the Wednesday schedule.

However,  sophomore Colin Rees thinks otherwise. He believes cutting agendas can be more helpful to the teachers. Rees didn’t typically use his agenda his freshman year and didn’t see a purpose for it this school year, either. He says his teachers still let him out to go to the bathroom and his locker when required.

Social Studies teacher Dan Jones agrees with Rees, he doesn’t have feelings on the matter. Jones says he can definitely see some positives when it comes to getting rid of the agendas. As a teacher Jones finds not having to write passes less distracting to the class and see more positive outcomes from the change.

“Students can now be responsible for their own organization in ways that they would have to do when they leave Southport High School,” Jones said. “I see it as potentially assuming more responsibility and less depending on the school for organization.”