After a successful year of DP at Back of the Yards, the Senior Bobcats are working on the assessments required to obtain the IB diploma. However, the growing stress amongst seniors led to a compromise, which gave full DP seniors one day per week to catch up on any work that is due. Four of these days have already taken place and have left many teachers and staff members with the dreaded question of whether or not this day is actually productive.

Amnesty day occurs every Wednesday on full school weeks. Groups based on their ToK classes, students reside in a room for the entire day, left to catch up on any assignments. Many of us are aware of the importance of this day, and we take advantage of it by completing as many tasks as possible because many of us are now working jobs after school. After a long day of school, many seniors have only minutes to get to work and arrive home late with a small window of time available to complete tasks. This overwhelming stress is new to many of us. As a result, grades were suffering and this day was implemented.

Another factor in falling behind with work is the completion of college applications. Some seniors take the time to complete college applications during the Amnesty Day, at home, or at the North Office during lunch. Some students have already received acceptance letters, reminding them of why they applied to the program in the first place, while others, like myself, have yet to complete our applications.

At the end of the day, it all comes down to the effort seniors put into their work. This day has been effective in giving seniors time to prioritize and accomplish various time-consuming tasks. Seniors feel privileged to be a part of a school that cares about its students enough to offer a day which alleviates some of the pressures set on them by the Diploma Program and the college application process.

At first, I set out to write an article that was against the Amnesty Day; however, the fear of losing this day sits on me, and many like me. Without this time, people won’t complete their assignments. For better or for worse.

– Alex Ortega