Students overloaded by jobs and activities

From the Mancos High School Bluejay Chronicle, May, 2004
By: Lacy Bell, junior

"I'm so drained, and I feel like there's no time to do anything at all. I feel too tired to do anything," said Mancos senior Vince Bazile earlier this semester. Bazile is a good example of an overloaded student because he works as a metal building specialist, pours concrete, attends school part time, and he was a top wrestler.

Like Bazile, a number of Mancos students have learned that after-school activities may interfere with schoolwork, and they can make students feel overwhelmed.

All students interviewed by the Bluejay Chronicle, who are involved in after-school activities, said they do not get enough sleep due to all the time they spend with jobs and sports. Those involved in sports spend at least two hours a day at practice, and game days can last from several hours to a day or more. Students with jobs after school typically spend about four to five hours at work in the evenings.

School counselor Judy Douglass said there are some positive aspects to having after-school activities, "I think that sports help keep the students' grades up because of the eligibility rule." Ramona Shepherd, teacher and parent, agrees with Douglass, saying, "For the most part, kids that are active or have an after-school job are more responsible. I think kids that are involved tend to be the better students."

Still, it is hard not to procrastinate according to senior Martin Lopez. When he would get home from basketball practice or a game, he would be tired and not in the mood to do homework.

Shepherd believes homework is necessary, especially for college-bound students. She said, "Students are lucky at Mancos High School because they would have even more homework if the block system were changed back to the original seven-period day. Students then would have seven classes and even more homework to keep track of."