A new tone is being set within the Associated Student Body at McClatchy High School as students seek to turn away from a prior culture of permissiveness and advisor mismanagement.
While students initially enjoyed the hands-off approach of the class’ previous ASB advisor, Jonathan Hubbard, questions were raised last year when Hubbard unexpectedly became absent from school around mid-October. His whereabouts were unknown, and his status of employment unclear.
Students involved in ASB were frustrated with what they viewed as Hubbard’s unprofessional behavior, as they no longer had a permanent advisor.
Even with Hubbard present, students felt as though there was a lack of administrative structure. Class started at 7:18, but students weren’t expected to show up until at least 7:30. Multiple students missed zero period and were still marked present since there was no official teacher to take role.
This lack of teaching did more than just allow students to show up late; it also affected the school year. Since ASB is a leadership class in charge of overseeing most of the events and activities at McClatchy, organization of fundraisers, dances, rallies suffered as the students struggled to manage them without the support and oversight of Hubbard.
Towards the end of the school year, ASB received a long-term substitute for the class. D.T. Martin, who teaches within the Law and Public Policy Academy at McClatchy, took on the responsibility as ASB advisor. With his help and commitment, students and council members this year are able to begin restoring ASB’s rigor, creating a classroom-like setting, and moving beyond its prior reputation.
New changes have already been made as to the expectations board members hold for their students. D.T. Martin and the board members are making sure students in the class are participating and contributing. Instead of acting like a study hall period, ASB has transformed into a class that allows students to become active and involved in their high school experience by making each year the best possible.
ASB board members are instilling discipline this year with the hopes that they can use this class to boost spirit and morale within McClatchy, as well as provide students with a fun learning environment that allows them to succeed.