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Saratoga High School students have high hopes of attending some of the nation's top colleges and universities, evidenced by their Cornell sweatshirts and Stanford caps. And a handful of those students listened attentively amid more than 200 concerned parents, teachers, administrators and community members who attended a Jan. 29 community meeting.
The discussion was held to address three recent cheating incidents at the school that are tainting the highly-ranked school's reputation and its academic integrity. Principal Dr. Kevin Skelly was visibly moved as he spoke about the eight suspended students involved, four of which are being recommended for expulsion.
Expulsion from the Los GatosSaratoga Joint Union High School District would mean the students could no longer attend a comprehensive high school within California for either a semester or a year. Expulsion hearings involving two of the students were held Jan. 30 by a panel of educators from other school districts, who make a recommendation to the school board. Options after expulsion include alternative education programs or private schools, Skelly said.
Skelly also dispelled rumors flying across campus that seniors are being affected during college admission interviews and tests are being sold on the Internet. While admitting he was embarrassed by the incidents as a principal, Skelly stressed ethical behavior must originate at home.
"I think we talk a great deal with our kids about achievement. What we really value is their integrity, but what we tell them on a regular basis is what are you achieving?" Skelly said. "It's something for us to think about—what are the messages we are sending our kids?"
For 99 percent of the student body who didn't cheat to obtain better grades, Skelly said those students are watching the responses of their parents, teachers and administrators, hoping to see justice done to remedy what is being labeled as "criminal behavior." Parents generated solutions such as a mandatory ethics class and restricting the number of Advanced Placement and honors classes students can enroll in to alleviate pressure.
Sophomore Henry Barmeier, a student reporter for the school newspaper, The Saratoga Falcon, said he was disappointed the select group of students had cheated because it has cast a negative light on the entire campus.
"I think the teacher-student trust level was affected," Barmeier said. "Students and teachers have a long way to go before they trust each other again."
Ron Adolphson, vice president of the school board, attended the meeting to hear participant concerns.
"The report that we heard of cheating throughout the United States was a big surprise," said Adolphson. "And we are always surprised when it happens in our district. I hope we can bring the integrity back to our students."
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