Recommendation policy causes May 1 frenzy

By Maurice Silvera Editor-in-Chief

The College Guidance Department has enacted a new policy this year requiring current juniors to request two teacher letters of recommendations strictly between May 1 and May 31, among other requirements, according to college guidance counselor Ms. Maria Dressler. Dozens of eager juniors jumped into action on May 1, overwhelming some teachers with requests and leading a few to start rejecting requests by May 2.

This new policy was introduced to all juniors between the months of February and March in their weekly college guidance classes and was reiterated in individual meetings. College guidance counselors gave additional instructions in these classes regarding which teachers to ask and how to ask them. Students were told to get their recommendations from one math or science teacher and one English or history teacher. The reasoning behind this is that colleges “want to see perspectives from a multitude of subjects. … It helps them get a different perspective on a student,” explained Ms. Dressler.

the opportunity to thrive, so he created a department through which he and his team are able to assist students with learning difficulties. His job, he said, was to ensure that every student who struggled academically would be assisted in whatever means necessary.

Each day of work was filled with a variety of different tasks. He would teach small groups of students executive functioning skills, which included how to manage their workload, time, and responsibilities, and how to communicate with teachers. He worked individually with high school students and with incoming eighth graders with learning differences. He also met with parents and many learning specialists to ensure everything was going according to plan.

Dr. Atlas said he takes pride in his work and in all the great things he has been able to accomplish. “It’s extremely important to me that all students, including those with different learning and continued on page 4 continued on page 3

College guidance counselors also placed emphasis on the etiquette one should have when asking a teacher to write a recommendation. “We want to make sure that students are being respectful and thoughtful,” Ms. Dressler stated. Students were advised to meet teachers during their scheduled office hours or email them to set up a time at which they could discuss.

The specific asking period in the policy has multiple rationales. Not only is it common in other schools, but it also “gets students thinking about college a little earlier in the game,” attested Ms. Dressler. Proof of this is junior Jacqueline Romano, who appreciates that she “can be prepared from now rather than the beginning of next year.” Furthermore, it enables teachers to write recommendations in the summer if they so choose. Students were also prohibited from asking before the specific time frame, and teachers were similarly told not to engage in any early conversations about letters of recommendation as to give an even playing field to all.