Perspectives of Pierce Public Students
By Abbie Cone
As students move through Pierce Public Schools, their interests, personalities, and priorities shift as they grow. To highlight those differences, three students—kindergartener Hayden Stepp, sixth grader Iris Moore, and senior Boston Krueger—were each asked the same set of questions about the school year.
When asked what they were most excited for about the upcoming year, Hayden Stepp, kindergartener, answered without any hesitation: art class. For her, school is still full of so much new excitement, and most early elementary students can relate to loving art class. Sixth grader Iris Moore looked forward to reading, reasoning that books make her brain stronger. Boston Krueger, a senior, was focused on football season, knowing this year was going to be his last run at high school football.
Their answers to the second question of what they would change about school if they could also show how their ages affect their answers. Stepp simply wanted more recess, which is a dream every elementary student can understand. Moore, beginning to have to balance more homework assignments, wanted more study hall time so she could finish her homework at school. Krueger, understanding the grind of the school year, suggested shortening the school day from 8–3:20 to 9–2.
Similar differences were evident when they were asked what they wanted to improve upon this year. Stepp hoped to become better at playing basketball, Moore wanted to master subtraction, and Krueger focused on footwork and striking for football. And when it came to the best thing that could happen this year, Stepp thought about her classmates’ birthday celebrations, Moore aimed for her AR reading goal and the party is always a highlight, and Krueger imagined the thrill of a state championship in both wrestling and football.
These three students at such different positions of life reveal just how much school priorities shift as students grow. What feels most important in kindergarten may someday feel small, and what feels overwhelming in late elementary may be forgotten later on. Yet each stage, from recess and reading goals to championships and graduation, should be enjoyed to the fullest and not wished away because they will be over in the blink of an eye.
