When second semester arrives, many seniors fall prey to senioritis, knowing that there are no more SATs or “important grades.” Senioritis is a term used to describe the “disease” seniors may “contract” after they have gotten into college. Symptoms including numerous tardies, missing homework assignments and ignoring the existence of school.

Teachers and seniors, especially, should try to have balanced attitudes towards second semester workloads in order to effectively deal with senioritis.

Many seniors feel that second semester is a good time for seniors to kick back and relax.

“I think second semester is for seniors to try new things and do things they’d never really be able to do again,” senior Grace Lo said.

Teachers should acknowledge that seniors deserve a bit of relaxation during second semester and not abuse the fact that seniors have more time after finishing college applications. However, several seniors and faculty members agree that teachers should ease up a bit, but not to the extent of completely giving up on their students.

“I would say that teachers shouldn’t slack off on students, but easing off–yes,” math teacher Steve Cochran said.

Since most colleges have conditional requirements for seniors in terms of maintaining certain GPAs second semester, seniors must remember that second semester grades actually do matter.

“I would like my students to perform at the same level of quality but be less stressed out in terms of how much they need to do,” Film Analysis and AP Literature and Composition teacher Galen Rosenberg said.

It is important for seniors to realize that they must continue to get their work done in order to get ready for college. Especially now, procrastination for seniors can be tempting. Seniors should be able to have a bit of fun and freedom second semester, but they should be careful not to let all their hard work go down the drain.

At the same time, teachers should also be considerate when allotting work to seniors during second semester. Ultimately, both should strive to find a balance so that things do not go wrong as they approach the finish line.