Many Norwalk High School students may have heard about sororities, but few know that such social organizations exist in high schools as well as colleges. Typically, they exist in co-educational, independent boarding or day high schools.

 However, there are certain groups that do not have chapters in high schools. There is even a school in New Haven, CT (Hillhouse High School) with a sorority chapter.

   Sororities and fraternities are designed to ready its members for college life. Most of these groups are useful in organizing events and charities to help their community. They are not limited to private or boarding schools.

 Several public and magnet schools also have either sororities or fraternities. With so many other high schools participating Greek life, is it possible that one can be formed in Norwalk High School?

  “It would probably eventually happen. As time goes by because things change,” stated John Ross (’10).

  When hearing of sororities and fraternities one can usually associates them with illegal activities that are done in the group such as drinking, partying, and hazing.

   Hazing is often apparent in Greek life and is a term used to describe various ritual and other activities involving harassment, abuse or humiliation used as a way of initiating a person into a group. Member undergoes such humiliations to gain approval from peers.

   Mrs. Daniels believes, “There should be no sororities and fraternities. Social acceptance is a big thing amongst teenagers. The school should not…exclude or include kids.”     

   Others would disagree with this. Ross continued saying, “…it [high school Greek life] would lead to good things…in high school the school has more control.”

   Some students believe that Greek life at Norwalk High School can be a positive experience. “I think it will bring the school closer. It would make it more like a family,” said Shaun Marie Green (’10).

  With this debate at hand, it is fair to say it would be a while before NHS forms a Greek life.

Last year almost every Norwalk High School student was sporting Obama shirts and making “Yes We Can” their personal slogan though they had no idea of what his plans were for the country. Most people like the idea of Obama but do they understand the reforms and policies for which he advocates?

  According to a poll conducted by The New York Times and CBS News, there was downfall in support for Obama handling of the war in Afghanistan and his puzzling health care program. The poll shows that fifty nine percent of poll takers are confused on the health care reform.

  During his candidacy he claimed he had a plan to remove combat brigades from Iraq by the summer of 2010. This statement gave the appearance to NHS that he had the intention of ending the entire war.

   However, on Tuesday December 2, 2009, President Barack Obama stated that he is sending 30,000 more U.S. troops to Afghanistan.

 Though Obama ran with the intention to send troops to Afghanistan during his campaign, many students whom did not fully understand his intentions, felt that the president had misled them in his plans.

  Susan Son (’10) shared, “I didn’t know exactly what he was going to do but… I think Obama is on the right path. I was waiting for a president to remove the troops.”

  Upon telling her Obama’s decision to send more troops to Afghanistan the NHS student was speechless. It seems that most students have felt misled or uninformed as to what the president’s plans were.

  “In the beginning he sounded good but he didn’t stay true to his word. It doesn’t make sense, he’s contradicting himself.” Marc Somma (’10) commented on what he thought of the matter.

  With a new president promising change most NHS students thought that things would be different.

There are many things that can annoy a student of Norwalk High School: slippery stairs, crowded hallways, or surprise quizzes. However, what is really irritating is when a person is excited to take a course and the excitement fizzles out once they find out who is teaching the class.

 Almost everyone has had that teacher that they just can not see eye to eye with. Perhaps it is because the student does not agree with their teacher’s views, favoritism, or the method of teaching. Whether there is a specified reason or not, there is nothing you can do. If the class had the potential to be one of your favorites, this would be your worst nightmare.

  The idea of spending a whole year or even half a year with this teacher is hard to think about, but how could you drop a class you love?

  Blair Roberts (’13) said, “Try to get by in the class… or if it got bad, transfer.” Many students would rather suffer with their worst teacher than leave their best class, though others may disagree.

  Barbara Richard (’12) stated, “If I’m having a hard time learning in the class I would definitely switch out.”  If you are taking a class and your grade suffers because you fail to communicate well with the teacher it is important to make sure to speak with someone.

  The next logical thing to do is to schedule a meeting with a guidance counselor. Unfortunately, the rule in guidance states, “We do not change schedules for different teachers or simply because you have changed your mind!” This rule should be changed because if the relationship between the teacher and the student is strained the student and teacher cannot work together to achieve a common goal.

  After all, a part of the NHS mission statement is community partnership.