Drivers Ed: Still Worth It?

Most students would agree that one of the most thrilling aspects of growing up as a kid in high school is learning to drive. Getting the a permit, then license, and then even a car are hands down exciting to high school student. Half Hollow Hills is lucky enough to have an elective course dedicated to giving students this luxury, but Drivers Ed had a bit of an alteration this year. Due to the infamous budget cut, the drivers education class requires a payment starting from the 2013-2014 school year onward. Mrs. Lippert, the primary staff member regarding extracurricular activities and electives, explained that, “We don’t really know the exact reasoning behind the payment and didn’t have any say in the decision, as the new payment rule was made by the district.” This ultimately had a minor influence as many students reported that this change didn’t really cause them to reconsider taking the elective.

To anyone unaware, Driver’s Ed is made possible through our school’s association with East Meadow’s driving school. It follows the A/B day system, for students take it every other day for two quarters. In addition, actual driving experience takes place once a week right after normal school hours. Students have differing approaches to Driver’s Ed and how the new financial requirement affects them. Ten out of ten students were asked in the library whether or not they were going to take Driver’s Ed next year despite the change, and all of them said yes. There were also some who haven’t given this matter much thought and still are unsure as to what decision they will make.

“I don’t really see why you wouldn’t take it next year even if you have to pay. I would think that out-of-school opportunities for learning how to drive are more expensive than our school’s payment,” says sophomore Elan Sharoney.

“Since I have a late birthday, I would have to take it during the spring when I have tennis after school. I’m probably just going to take it sometime over the summer,” said Brandon Normberg, who was clearly unaffected by the situation.

It seems that although it may be an issue for some families to have to pay for a class that was once free, most sophomores are not fazed by the payment. Many agree on the fact that learning how to drive through a convenient class is crucial and logical. It makes sense, as I personally think the anticipation and importance for learning to drive and obtaining that license outweighs the burden of having to pay a few dollars.