Soon families will gather in front of the television to watch that lit-up apple fall in Times Square. Is it too early to think about New Year’s resolutions? I don’t think so. That said, here are six ideas for the Dulaney community:

Students:
* Improve hallway language:
Have you ever heard students dropping the f-bomb on one another or calling each other the N-word? What about other racial slurs and sexual innuendos? It’s outrageous to see how students treat each other in the halls.

* Minimize theft:
Over the past few months, multiple cases of theft and vandalism have been reported. Why do people take things that don’t belong to them? Can’t they just ask to borrow them? I understand many parents have lost their jobs, but it hasn’t reached the point where we can’t afford basic necessities.

* Minimize smoking and alcohol usage on school campus:
Every time I leave school, I see a whole group of students smoking in the school’s smoking corner. These students need to understand that tobacco has consequences. Those who smoke tend to have much shorter life spans than those who don’t. While we’re at it, how about we make a commitment to deal with underage drinking? Students Against Destructive Decisions, got any plans?

* Show more respect towards teachers:
Every once in a while, I see students sent to the assistant principal because they were disrespectful. This not only hurts the perpetrator, it also creates unnecessary work for our already busy staff. If you have a complaint, talk to a teacher after school. And, next time when you put your head down, text during class, or leave your hat on, think twice. It’s disrespectful.

Teachers:
* Minimize the number of tests/quizzes and homework assignments:
Most upperclassmen tend to be extremely busy preparing for college and managing AP courses. We would love it if teachers would understand and give fewer assignments so that we can have some more breathing room.

* Incorporate more interactive activities in the classroom:
Last month in my Philosophy class, my teacher talked about different approaches to learning. In my three and a half years at Dulaney I’ve only been on one field trip. Yes, I understand that high school is much more rigorous than middle or elementary school, but I still feel the best way to learn is through interactive activities. As Confucius said, ”I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand.”