We are asking the Austin Prep administration to cancel their plan to conduct midterm exams. By conversing with members of the student body, as well as faculty members, most have deep disappointment in the administration's negligent decision to continue with midterms. We are asking the administration to take into account the following examples as to why midterms should be reconsidered. 

First, gathering the entire student body only two weeks after some of the busiest travel days since the pandemic began is extremely irresponsible and negligent of our health. Students, faculty, and staff should not have their physical health disregarded in any capacity. Also, it seems hypocritical to allow such large gatherings as COVID cases are climbing rapidly, meanwhile much smaller, contained events that have been controlled were shut down, or never discussed as a possibility. 

Second, our mental health and well being is more important than academics. This should go without saying, but it seems as if the decision to conduct midterms came to be without this considered. Exams are stressful enough, and holding them during a pandemic creates unnecessary stress on students and teachers. 

The irregularities of this particular school year and the uncertainty of what the future holds has impacted the student body’s ability to learn to their best potential. Wanting to learn and excel in our courses has shifted to simply needing to pass. Additionally, many teachers have been either forced to teach classes with no prior knowledge on the material, or have left the school suddenly. Students that have been directly affected by these staffing issues should not be held to the same standard as students that have not encountered these extraneous circumstances. On another note, seeking extra help has become much more complicated. Whether it's because of not knowing where your teacher is, or having extra help a week in advance, these barriers have made it almost more beneficial for students to just continue learning new material without understanding certain parts than it is to get help on the material they don’t understand. Therefore, midterms will not be a fair assessment of our subject knowledge. 

Although we appreciate the efforts made to conduct this school as normal as possible, this is not the way it should be done. If we were to gather the entire school, it could be done at much better timing and with the intentions of community-building activities that align with the values Austin Prep is built upon. For example, events that could be conducted safely with minimal effects on the school day, such as a Spirit Week or being able to wear class colors to school, would be more effective in promoting a sense of normalcy. 

We the students feel that we are trying to make our voices heard and are not being listened to. There is an obvious disconnect between the administration and the greater student body, and we hope it can be addressed to make our community more unified. Above all, we want the administration to consider the factors listed above for midterms, as well as future events.