Students Relate Seeing Tighter Class Restrictions

Needham is a town left largely unaffected by economic cuts in the classroom. Still, students have seen some changes and are finding that getting into the perfect class is a tricky proposition these days.

Anne Gulati, Needham Public School's director of financial operations, told Needham Patch last month that while Needham did not see as many personell changes as other communities, the town was forced to tighten its belt on class size.

In light of recent budget cuts to Needham schools it appears that students, particularly at the high school, have been finding their schedules more restrictive.

Jackie Rosen, who started her senior year this fall, said "It's very difficult to switch classes. My best friend was crying because she couldn't get out of an AP class, which now she's afraid of failing."

Rosen's friend and fellow senior, Shannon Murray, added, "They're very strict about class size."

Neither student found there to be a lack of options in terms of the variety of courses offered, but rather a lack of freedom to branch out and try new things.

"You can't try harder classes if you can't switch. Don't they want to challenge us?" asked Rosen.

Colin McGowan, another high school senior, referred to the cutbacks and class changes as "necessary," stating,  "Originally you weren't suppose to be able to switch classes at all."

McGowan said that he believes class size restrictions are not due to budgetary cutbacks, but rather a larger student population and a shift in the school's administration.

"Since Dr. (Jonathan) Pizzi has become the principal (of Needham High School), it's been a lot better, more structured. Students aren't running around doing whatever they want."

Meanwhile, younger high school students don't seem to be feeling as many effects. When approached for comments, a group of sophomores declined to add anything citing they had not noticed any changes at the school.