Teachers’ move toward reform should not impact Scholar Quiz

Screen Shot 2019-03-17 at 12.58.35 PM — (Courtesy of iStock) With the recent teacher slowdown, all classrooms have been closed at nutrition and snack. This decision should not affect the continuation of Scholar Quiz considering it is a long held tradition.

Zoe Howard

Staff Writer

The recent teacher union disputes within the Manhattan Beach Unified School District has resulted in all classrooms being closed during snack and lunch as of Feb. 25. However, this should not affect the status of Scholar Quiz because it will negatively impact Mira Costa’s school spirit as a long held tradition.

The annual event has been held to test student’s knowledge in various categories including academic disciplines, pop culture, and current events in this fast-paced competition. In past years, teachers have allowed rounds of scholar quiz to be held in their classrooms. However, this year teachers want change to be implemented before they will allow students back in their classrooms during state sanctioned breaks. Teachers have been working for two years without a contract. Until an fair contract can be negotiated, teachers have united in solidarity by closing their doors.

Over 250 students participate in the annual competition. Students look forward to participating in the Scholar Quiz tournament. The event encourages friendly competition and a stimulation of knowledge while supporting school spirit.

It is a beloved event that brings together the entire school. Scholar Quiz helps to celebrate the nearing end of the school year while letting students participate in an event that will bring excitement to the competitors and the audience. It helps bring a sense of pride and accomplishment to its participators, resulting in more enthusiastic students.

Teachers should have their mandated 15 and 30 minutes breaks as required by law, and it is understandable that they should not be forced to open their classrooms for Scholar Quiz. Therefore, Scholar Quiz should be held in rooms such as the small theatre and auditorium to account for lost space. However, given the lack of space, each round can be spaced out to avoid overcrowdedness.

Scholar Quiz proves to be beneficial to the Mira Costa community and brings unity to its students. Therefore, Scholar Quiz should continue even if the competitions cannot be held in teachers’ classrooms. The administration should not let this obstacle get in the way of the long held tradition that is crucial to keep up school spirit.