As the second semester kicks off and senioritis sets in throughout the school, Woodgrove’s seniors can expect to see many changes to their schedule soon. In addition to outdoor lunch and a daily early release (or two), seniors are entitled to certain “senior privileges” beginning this quarter. With capstones and graduation preparations, they should also anticipate an unusual end to their school year.

Late January marks the start of a schoolwide tradition celebrated across the country: senior privileges. This generally entails early dismissals to lunch and from school as a sign of respect and maturity at the highest grade level. Many schools also allow seniors to leave campus to get food elsewhere during lunch, but due to Woodgrove’s distance from local restaurants, students are restricted from driving to them during the school day. The high school makes up for this by allowing seniors to sit outside all year on the patio connected to the cafeteria, though rarely utilized in the winter.

Seniors also have the chance to add an early release block on A and B days. When selecting their senior courses during their junior year, students can opt for an early release in place of their last block every day. There is lots of flexibility in doing this, such as selecting an early release for every other day, or even requesting two consecutive early releases every day. Students can also incorporate a late arrival in place of their first or fifth block classes. However, both early releases and late arrivals can be revoked if good grades are not maintained throughout the year.

Seniors can expect all of these benefits, as well as an unfamiliar fourth quarter as preparations for capstones and graduation near. Those who want to participate in a capstone project will have to submit a “capstone initial interest form” by March 31st. Projects can range from painting a mural in one of the school hallways to internships at large corporations. Capstones generally take place during the spring, and exact timelines can vary based on the project. This is soon followed by an early end to the school year for seniors as they close the gap on college deadlines and prepare for their graduation ceremony. When all is said and done, the senior class of 2024 will be sent off to pursue the next chapter of their lives.