Among the variety of new terms and unfamiliar procedures bantered about by the administration, of which there is no shortage, perhaps the least understood is the Zero/Zero policy. Although most are familiar with the FLEX schedule, which they experience multiple times a week, and ROAR cards, which, although relatively new, were instituted last year, the Zero/Zero policy seems to be lost on much of the student population.

In essence, the Zero/Zero policy aims to eliminate failing. Dismayed by the proliferation of students with his led to the creation of the FLEX schedule. However, while poring over the grades, they noticed a common thread among many of the students who had D’s and F’s- a high instance of absences and apathy. Students who missed work, excused or otherwise, often opted to take a zero rather than bother to learn the material, leading to future poor grades. “Since we all believe that ‘Failure is Not an Option,’ the staff sought ways to attack [attendance issues and apathy] problems. The Zero/Zero policy was one,” explained Principal Rima Vesilind.

The implementation of the new policy is layered. First, when students miss work for any reason at all, they are required to make up that work within a “reasonable” amount of time, which would result in a non-failing grade. Although the length of that time has not been announced, it would seem to be at the discretion of the individual teacher. If the student fails to complete the assignment within that time period, the student will be referred to the administrator of that subject area and have their parents notified, at which point the student will have to sit down with the administrator and, finally, get the work done.

There are differing opinions regarding this new policy. Some feel that it allows students to do what they are actually supposed to at school: learn. “Rather than making it completely about grades, [the Zero/Zero policy] emphasizes learning,” explained senior Emily Chilton. Vesilind echoed these sentiments, saying that, “Our ultimate goal here at West Potomac is to have every student learn what he or she needs to learn to be successful in every one of his or her classes.” Also, “[the Zero/Zero policy] is good because if you forget to do [an assignment], it doesn’t ruin your grade,” according to Junior Andy Blacker. However, others disagree, arguing that the new program rewards students for not showing up to class by extending their deadlines and teaching them the wrong lessons. Many worry students will have trouble in the real world, since their future bosses almost certainly won’t be as forgiving, and fear that the students will lack accountability. According to junior Michael Aston, “The Zero/Zero policy is taking all the responsibility away from the student.” Although the ultimate results of the program have yet to be learned, one thing remains certain- the Zero/Zero policy will have an enormous impact on many of the students, and therefore the school in general. Whether the implementation of the program ushers in a huge advance in school learning or yields a haven of mediocrity awarding effortless students will only be determined through time.