Students Speak on the MCHS Expansion

"As for the other students, I only suggest to keep doing what you've always done: be kind and courteous, and help out the new freshmen during the transition just as you would during normal times of school.”

On April 15th, we published an article regarding the upcoming Middle College expansion. If you haven’t read it yet and are interested, please click here. At the end of that article, we asked interested MCHS students to fill out a survey regarding their thoughts about the expansion.

Before reading the survey results, please note that out of our ~260 student population, twenty-four students responded to this survey. The survey was completely voluntary for all participants, Under these circumstances, the results of this survey are not directly representative of the entire MCHS student population. However, with these results, we can still gain some insight about our student population’s thoughts.

Students who believe that the expansion will not benefit the school often cited similar reasons. Many took note of how ASC will have to look a lot different than what previous freshmen were used to. Aida Novoa, a senior, noted that “ . . . freshman students usually learn about each other in ASC, but with no room large enough for there to [fit] the full 90 students, some of the students might not even get to know each other. Part of what makes [the Middle College program] so successful is that even if you don't know a person fully, you still know things about every person in your grade.” Students also mention the potential for an increase in noise level, increased irritation from Delta professors, and further delays in getting college textbooks. Some also questioned how school assemblies will be held when Tillie Lewis Theater and Atherton Auditorium—the only rooms at Delta College that can fit more than 260 students—are difficult to book on short notice.

Those who believe that the expansion will ultimately benefit the school said that an increase in student population and teachers will create more opportunities. A student commented, “This will also open up more opportunities for extra clubs and activities for the school [...] It's worth giving students the extra opportunity to attend college classes, and also to grow the school and give more people a chance.” As stated in the last article, we rejected 100 applicants last year. Many of the rejected applicants have very similar qualities to those who are accepted. Minor differences determined their fate. By expanding the student population, MCHS can accommodate that growing demand.

Finally, some are unsure as to how this will play out. Elizabeth Meas, a freshman, noted that “ . . . it might not seem as bad as it’s implied, we’re still a small school nevertheless. I feel like this is a good opportunity for those who want to join the program. [...] I’m worried about Delta College itself not being able to adjust to it.” When asked for further comment, she refers to how areas such as Danner Hall are already tight on space find as-is, so adding more students may exacerbate this issue. She, as well as many others, were also concerned about morning “core classes” being overridden with MCHS students in the future.

Nevertheless, one student is disappointed in how students’ opinions were largely not considered when the expansion was being considered. They stated, "The student body population has not been consulted throughout the entire process. Many of us did not even know about the expansion until it was passed. I feel the school administration has failed to realize that we are also invested in the success of this school.”

With all of that said, this expansion will be going into effect next school year. This means that next year’s staff and students will have to tackle many of the aforementioned issues head-on. When asked what the school can do to make this transition easier, Musaid Abdullah said, “The administration must accommodate by allowing the two [ASC] classes time to interact, get to know each other, and establish a bond […] As for the other students, I only suggest to keep doing what you've always done: be kind and courteous, and help out the new freshmen during the transition just as you would during normal times of school.”

At this point in time, there are an infinite number of unknowns for the future. What will Middle College look like next year? In four years? Ten years? Will this expansion yield the results that Lodi Unified School District expects, and at what costs? We will just have to wait and see.