Students from San Leandro High are confused about course selection, graduation requirements, AP classes and dual enrollment. This year a new course selection process—with less counselor involvement—has been implemented. Students indicated that this lack of communication was a leading cause of confusion surrounding course selection and class scheduling. 

“I don’t know what I’m doing, I’m like, mad confused,” said freshman Zae Reyes.

Students said they were told conflicting information by counselors, going against what emails sent by Principal Barloga and administration had said. Counselor Leena Yee said the counselors were told that academy students were not allowed to take AP English and AP History courses.

“We talked about it in our meeting…but then [the school administration] changed their mind,” said Yee.

The Cargo reached out to the administration who was unavailable for comment at time of publication.

Contrary to what some students and counselors thought based on their readings of emails, social media and student discourse, Senior Director for Educational Services, Joanne Clark, said there would be no changes for current students.

“The only change being implemented at San Leandro High School is a change to graduation requirements for the incoming class of 2030,” said Clark.

These miscommunications led to increased student action to fight against these supposed policy changes. Many students took to social media, spreading this information further, and in addition to posts made by ASB Leadership, some students created an account dedicated to student voices.

“Everything that has been posted by SLHS Student Voices has been based on previous emails sent to students and adults on campus,” states a post from the @slhsstudentvoices account.

In an email sent by Barloga, students were told that the school was not implementing a “No Drop” policy regarding AP classes and it was indicated that this rule had never been changed. 

However, in schedule confirmation emails sent to incoming sophomores, juniors and seniors, this policy was being enforced.

“Once a student enrolls in an AP course, they are committed to remaining in that course for the entire academic year. All students enrolling in an AP course, along with their families, must sign the AP Course Commitment & No-Drop Policy,” states the course selection email.

This conflicting information only added to student confusion and misunderstanding.

Additionally, rumors and student talks with their counselors stated that students would not be able to take independent dual enrollment classes outside of school over summer or during the school year.

“Both of those programs are in place and will be,” said Clark. “There has been no change, no change.”