Nothing to Block My Way!

Academic Block Ready for Application

Megumi Kamikawa

Staff Writer

The Academic Block program at American High School provides seniors who have a 3.0 GPA or higher with an award to commend their efforts. After applications gained approval, students were able to purchase their awards starting on Friday, March 28 to Monday, April 14.

According to Assistant Principal, Mr. Rob Reibenschuh, the Academic Block has been offered for a long time, probably since the school itself started. Similarly to the Athletic Block, students must apply to receive the award.

“It’s basically a letter indicating the grades a student has scored, like a certain number of A’s or B’s,” Reibenschuh said. “It’s a form of positive recognition; a majority of students here work hard for their grades, so this is a little something to give back for their efforts.

Mr. Reibenschuh proudly holds up one of the many Academic Blocks waiting to reward the seniors of 2014. Blocks may be purchased in Office L from Ms. Burch for $5 with ASB and $10 without. “Students would be able to wear it on their jackets or something while talking to schools,” Reibenschuh said. “Obviously, schools will still look at students’ transcripts, but it’s like a visual reminder of their efforts.” PC: Navya Kaur

The application for the Academic Block was provided through the American High School School Loop e-mail and webpage. As of right now, only seniors are available to sign up for this opportunity.

“We are currently tentative on opening it up for all students,” Reibenschuh said. “If we can do so, it’s likely that there will be certain stages of rewards for the students who apply.”

However, regardless of what requirements the award might have, students like junior Deeba Haider are still fully aware of the opportunity that will be provided in the future.

“It would be really cool to be able to receive an Academic Block as a junior, just to showcase how hard you’ve worked within the past three years of high school,” Haider said. “I might apply to get one next year, but I’m still not sure. It’s interesting, but I haven’t really given much thought to it.”

Even with a majority of students currently unable to apply for the Academic Block, it still remains to be a positive influence within the student community.

“When I first heard about it, it seemed confusing, but after someone had explained it to me, it seemed really interesting,” senior Kosha Patel said. “It seems like a great opportunity for students to see their progress over the years and a great way for students to reflect on the classes they’ve taken!”

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