I've also been talking to multiple teachers and administration, including Dr. C, about the elimination of our midterms. Here's my email to him: Hello, my name is Lauren Colella and I am a junior who is currently enrolled in AP Bio, AP Macro, AP Lang, pre- AP calc, advanced italian, ROTC, and concert choir. In AP Language and Composition we thoroughly discuss the harmful effects that grades and tests have on students, and how it is gradually getting worse year by year. Students no longer care about the material they're forced to memorize, but the grade attached it. Because of the difficulties each of these courses entails, I'm well aware as to the pressure, stress, and anxiety the high school students have/are experiencing due to heavily weighed standardized tests. Multiple studies have shown that, "Negative consequences include narrowing the curriculum, teaching to the test, pushing students out of school, driving teachers out of the profession, and undermining student engagement and school climate," result from standardized tests. Schools across the country are making the decision to cancel midterms because of the negative effects on students and teachers, and the lost time in curriculum due to preparing for these tests. My hope, is to become one of these schools that is placing less time and pressure on midterms, and thoroughly focusing on the curriculum in class, instead. I'm interested in your thoughts concerning the cancellation of our midterms at Brewster High School. Thank you. Lauren Colella

This is his email back:

First, thank you for your very thoughtful email. Last week I discussed this exact topic with the liaisons. While we need to discuss a little more I believe my decision will be well received once announced. Thank you again.

Change happens in numbers, so if everyone was to come together, we might actually make this happen!:)