To: Staff At Coolidge Middle School

Petitioner: Sofia Wolfe

Dear Staff At Coolidge Middle School,

In school, we learn many things. We learn about history and math, but we also learn how to manage our time wisely, persevere, and grow personally. In the school community, though, there is a problem we must address. Students cannot do schoolwork during team time, which is a significant issue. Team time should become study hall.  

Our school values respect. Our inability to study during team time violates this value because team time is not a positive use of our time. Ultimately, our time is not respected. The fact that students cannot do schoolwork during team time is an issue because I have a tight schedule outside of school. I often manage to do my homework, but often, I do not have enough time to completely understand all of the concepts which take more time to comprehend. I understand teachers cannot ban tests or homework, since they contribute to learning. It would be extremely helpful, though, to be able to study during team time, so we can complete homework and study for tests, which would be a better use of our time.  

We request the staff at Coolidge understand that this problem is important and address it quickly. This issue should be fixed by letting students study during team time, and offering them educational support. If students have more time to do homework, they will do it more thoroughly, and understand it better. Students could also meet with teachers during this time, enhancing their education, and teaching them how to speak up for themselves. This experience would benefit students in the long run. I respectfully demand that team time becomes study hall because the students will use our time better. 

This issue connects to the Foundational Democratic Idea of the “common good” because all students will benefit from team time being converted into study hall. Students will learn how to manage their time, raise their voices, and persevere without having to rush. They also can meet with teachers, ask questions, and engage in their learning. Teachers may also benefit since they will receive more time to plan their lessons and grade tests while also meeting with students who might need extra help, liberating their time after school. In general, all will benefit from this change.

In conclusion, I think that we should be able to do schoolwork during team time because it would be a better use of our time, and everybody will benefit from this change.

Thank you for your consideration,

Sofia Wolfe