Florida high school segregates students at lunch based on GPA, absences, report says:

A Florida high school has come under fire for the way it handles students’ at lunch time.

Hudson High School in Pasco County, Fla., reportedly segregates students depending on their grade point average and the number of absences they have. The program was launched at the beginning of the school year.

Officials described the program, called "On-track", as a way to encourage students to perform better in school, but some students feel it divides them.

To be a part of On-track, students must have a GPA higher than 2.0, fewer than four absences, no F’s on their report and they must earn all their credits for the semester. Students who fit the requirements receive special privileges, including free tickets to sporting events and the ability to eat lunch outside instead of in the cafeteria. The students also received a bracelet and ID labeling them as part of the program.
Students who do not fill the requirements are forced to eat inside the cafeteria and are not allowed to leave the room during that time.

“We’re not allowed to, even if we had a pass we could not go see any teachers, we’re not allowed to leave the lunchroom, period,” Kat Davis, a junior at the school.

Senior Rhainey Knight said the cafeteria could become very crowded.

“There’s so many kids that sit on the floors, they’re sitting on tables, and they’re just standing, and it’s overcrowded,” Rhainey Knight.

On Thursday, some students protested the program by walking out of the cafeteria citing the lack of space in the area.

School officials said there was enough room to fit all of the 250 students who were not in the program.

“A lot of people that are tracking still sit in the cafeteria rather than going into the lounge or commons, which then makes less room for the people who aren’t tracking to sit in there,” Ashlynn Brooks, a junior at the school, said.

Mandy Lohan, a parent of one of the school’s students, believed the program segregates students.

“I think the program needs to go away, it’s not good for anybody,” Lohan said. “You’re definitely labeled regardless of if you don’t have that, you know, obviously they’re putting you into a special group, and then if you do have that you’re in another group.”

“You want unity and you want family, that’s what Cobra preaches, but yet they’re separating the kids. It’s not right,” Lohan said.

Some parents were concerned the program breaks the law for students with disabilities.

why can't these schools just do what they are paid to do and educate our kids? Why do they think they have the power to make decisions like this?. To embarrass kids in school by publically labeling them.

Who put them on such a high soapbox?

why can't these schools just do what they are paid to do and educate our kids? Why do they think they have the power to make decisions like this?. To embarrass kids in school by publically labeling them.

Who put them on such a high soapbox?

but, isn't this education?

This is bs are we back tracking instead of by color now by grade merit~~~ I tell ya this is about one of the stupidest things I have ever heard of doing...

It is lunch time kind of like recess let them have their time to decide who they want to eat with.

Honestly unless they are really close to places to eat they don't have much time to go anywhere.. But if they do then they all should be able too..

I know in High School I never left but after I ate and if I had time I liked walking around the school grounds with friends... that is good for them and should be allowed for all....

Yea, that's true. But a 2.0 avg. come on, with a little cheating or help from a teacher they could make it. You know, instead of working for it.

your right, lunch time is a break from learning.. you eat, mingle around. B/s with people.. that's the way its always been

And BTW, the nerds already sit together.. also been that way forever. No reason to put a official label on them.

Those with less than a "D" average are on break from learning,
all day.

Humm so you think just cause they may have a 2.0 avg that they are not trying??

Lunch is their break time not to think, not all kids that have a 2.0 avg is due to they are not trying... Many times there are reasons..

I know several that barely passed High School but yet are very strong in the work force.. To the point they make more money then those that passed with high grades..

But to separate anyone is what many are trying to stop!

This is wrong in every way~~~

I actually see no issue. It is a reward system. Privileges are given for meeting certain goals, otherwise you what?

eat in the cafeteria(gasp)
PAY for sporting events (shocking)
and dont get a special bracelet

much ado about nothing really ....

now if not fitting the requirements resulted in an actual punitive measure, like not getting lunch at all, or sitting in a special room for outsiders ... that would be different

I agree. It's also a good incentive for students to make better grades.
The school should provide help for those that want it though.

wow, we agree on something ...

I think the title of the article sets it up in a negative perception by using the word 'segregation'

all awards and promotions 'segregate' on the level of considering who is meeting certain criteria and who is not.

boy they sure can't wait to interfere with what should be free time and time to share a meal with those you wish..but instead it has to be over shadowed by this bs.It appears that more and more times they are trying to exert control over our lives as if the mindless idiots know what they're doing and know what's best for us.

I know why don't they put their efforts towards providing a better education rather than promoting divisiness..what exactly are the mindless ones teaching our children

And EVERYONE should have the ability to eat outside if that's their wish..

Why? The school provides a place to eat and a time to eat. Why are they obligated to let students leave the school to eat?

Who said anything about leaving the school..A place to eat ..on the floor ..uh o.k..

the cafeteria ....

it may need more room or an expansion to fit the students if it is too small, that is the only issue I see with having kids Eat in the cafeteria, and awarding them special privileges if they meet certain standards.

I don't agree ..lunch time is free time and a time for socializing and enjoying a meal with those they wish.I have no problem with rewarding efforts I just don't think this is the way to go about it..Perhaps they could reward them with free lunch I'm sure some of the kids could use it.

But as far as overcrowding they should be able to eat in the cafeteria or outside and be with their friends at lunch...

Most kids go to school to socialize. If they want to eat with their friends, they can earn it. Just one of life's little hurdles.

Hummm yea and the first time a Employer was to tell those in the work place how they can spend their lunch watch everyone come unglued on that one..

I think it is stupid everyone needs a break at times even if it is only 30 minutes at lunch~~~

I know, weird huh?
but that's good.