Reinstate Spring Activity Access for December Early Completion Seniors at SSHS

Recent signers:
Aaden Watts and 19 others have signed recently.

The Issue

We, the undersigned students, parents, and members of the Smiths Station High School community, are writing to formally request the reversal of the recently implemented policy that prevents December early completion seniors from participating in spring senior activities, including prom, senior week events, and other school-wide celebrations.

      This new restriction is disappointing and disheartening, especially for students who have been working hard to meet the requirements for early completion—a decision often motivated by academic, personal, or financial reasons. These students are still members of the same graduating class and deserve the opportunity to celebrate their achievements alongside their peers.

December completers are still part of the Smiths Station High School graduating class. Their early completion does not erase their contributions or commitment to the school community. It is unfair to exclude them from key milestones like prom, senior picnics, award nights, and other traditions that bring the class together one last time.

   Many students pursue early completion to get a head start on their futures—whether that be college, a career, or family responsibilities. Punishing them by removing access to senior events sends the wrong message about ambition and personal growth.

     Furthermore, past graduating classes were allowed to participate in spring events even after completing early. This abrupt change feels unjust and has disrupted students’ plans, expectations, and morale. We are respectfully asking that Smiths Station High School and the Lee County Board of Education:

 

1. Reverse the policy that prevents December early completers from participating in spring senior activities.

2. Allow all members of the graduating class to attend and enjoy spring events regardless of their completion date.

3. Consider a more inclusive policy moving forward that recognizes all seniors equally and fairly.

All students deserve the chance to celebrate their hard work, regardless of when they finish their journey. Please help us preserve these memories and traditions for every senior.

38

Recent signers:
Aaden Watts and 19 others have signed recently.

The Issue

We, the undersigned students, parents, and members of the Smiths Station High School community, are writing to formally request the reversal of the recently implemented policy that prevents December early completion seniors from participating in spring senior activities, including prom, senior week events, and other school-wide celebrations.

      This new restriction is disappointing and disheartening, especially for students who have been working hard to meet the requirements for early completion—a decision often motivated by academic, personal, or financial reasons. These students are still members of the same graduating class and deserve the opportunity to celebrate their achievements alongside their peers.

December completers are still part of the Smiths Station High School graduating class. Their early completion does not erase their contributions or commitment to the school community. It is unfair to exclude them from key milestones like prom, senior picnics, award nights, and other traditions that bring the class together one last time.

   Many students pursue early completion to get a head start on their futures—whether that be college, a career, or family responsibilities. Punishing them by removing access to senior events sends the wrong message about ambition and personal growth.

     Furthermore, past graduating classes were allowed to participate in spring events even after completing early. This abrupt change feels unjust and has disrupted students’ plans, expectations, and morale. We are respectfully asking that Smiths Station High School and the Lee County Board of Education:

 

1. Reverse the policy that prevents December early completers from participating in spring senior activities.

2. Allow all members of the graduating class to attend and enjoy spring events regardless of their completion date.

3. Consider a more inclusive policy moving forward that recognizes all seniors equally and fairly.

All students deserve the chance to celebrate their hard work, regardless of when they finish their journey. Please help us preserve these memories and traditions for every senior.

The Decision Makers

Lee County School Board
3 Members
Mary Ensley
Lee County School Board - District 5
Larry Patterson
Lee County School Board - District 6
Mark Tomlin
Lee County School Board - District 1

Petition Updates