High school jock pushing nerd in locker[/caption]
Northfield High School has kicked off its first year, and in the first year, it will only have a freshman class. They will continue to phase in classes over the next three years, and the school will continue to grow after that, until they eventually become the academic and athletic powerhouse in the state. There will certainly be growing pains as there is with any school, but Northfield High seems poised to overcome any obstacles. One concern of the Northfield High staff is whether these first classes will get an authentic high school experience. “With the freshman class being the oldest class, they are essentially the kings of the school,” said school administrator Lena Johnson. “There is no one there to keep them in check, like there would be if there was a senior class. So, it kind of throws the whole social system out of whack.”
Luckily, administrators at the school had already thought about this, and made the decision to hire in some bullies to play the part of upper classmen to pick on the freshman and keep them in line, and give them that “freshman experience” they would not have gotten otherwise. “The bullies coming in are basically deadbeats from other schools, or dropouts,” said Vice Principal Eric Williams. “We give them a few bucks, free snacks and lunch, and they do their thing during open hours and in between classes. We won’t start it right away, but by the second month of school, the program should be in full swing.” Aside from keeping the freshman in check, it is also about educating them. “At one point this class is going to be the senior class, and there will be a freshman class under them,” said Williams. “How will they know how to treat the ‘fresh fish’ if they never learned through their experience?” Williams says parents should not be too alarmed, as they are leaving one key element out of the program. “Under no circumstances are the older bullies allowed to attempt to engage in a relationship with the younger kids. So, none of the older guys will be going after the freshman girls.”
Northfield High parents have accepted the program, but with mixed emotions. “We always try to protect our kids from everything as parents,” said parent Craig Morningstar. “But, this will be a valuable learning experience for all of our kids, and I am sure it will make them better people in the end.” Brad Geary has a similar opinion. “Of course I don’t like the idea of someone picking on my kid at school,” says Geary. “But, that is an important part of growing up. You have to learn how to handle those situations.” Williams says the program is completely unique and has never been attempted at any other start-up high school. “We want to be the leader when it comes to education,” said Williams. “And social education is just as important here at Northfield High.”]]>