Patriot Path is that hour-long break that the school gives us every Wednesday where we get a selection of things to do, like watch movies, make up some work that we’ve been falling behind on, practice sports, or learn a new dance. Those that don’t sign up for Patriot Path get in-school suspension, or ISS.

When people didn’t sign up last year, they were subject to a guest speaker or sat in the gym and watched the basketball players practice. Today’s method of giving the skippers ISS may be a controversial way for students to learn to sign up for Patriot Path.

According to 44 students who voted in my poll, many thought that ISS was not a fair punishment with comments ranging from constructive criticism and alternate punishments to full support. Lilly Hughes commented that ISS seems a more “dramatic and really serious punishment.” She offered her take: “I would have the students be randomly assigned any Patriot Path with open slots. They had the chance to choose something fun and experimental to do with their time but rather than pick, they decided to skip so they don’t get an option in what they’re going to do.”

Caitlin Kiker commented that the ISS punishment was “unnecessary.”

One student on my poll who decided to remain anonymous commented, “Sure. I mean if they’re for real skipping class, then by all means put them into ISS. If they just forgot though, I feel kind of bad because ISS feels like a punishment, and if you forgot to sign up for an activity because your life got crazy, it would make you feel like a terrible person for going to ISS.”

While most of the students didn’t agree, some thought that the rule was just fine and justified. Ben Meyer said, “Completely deserved. They didn’t sign up when they had 5-7 days. They were also reminded.”

Mrs. Panagos, a teacher, said, “If only a few people fail to sign up, it’s not a big deal, but if a lot of people fail to sign up, it creates a nightmare for Mrs. Carroll and Mrs. Thaxton. Also, teachers need to know beforehand how many people are attending particular sessions because they may need to get supplies. I think it’s a fair deterrent to slacking. Just sign up; the app makes it’s easy.”

ISS may not be the best punishment, but hopefully, students can avoid it with all the reminder announcements.

If you have any questions about Patriot Path or need help using the app or even if you have suggestions for improvement, you can always talk to Mrs. Carroll. Her office is near the media center. View Kiara Gunn’s interview with Mrs. Carroll to get to know her better.

Correction: A previous version of the article said “detention” rather than “ISS.”