March 1 2026 Newsletter

1. Kayla, 10th grade
   I was told I couldn’t make up a test even though I was absent for a school-required event. I didn’t know I could challenge it, so I took the zero. Later, once I knew the policy, I asked—and was allowed to retake it.

2. Brandon, 11th grade
   My manager told me I had to stay late even though I had already hit the legal limit for student work hours. I didn’t know that mattered, so I stayed. After learning my rights, I spoke up the next time and was sent home.

3. Imani, 9th grade
   A staff member told me to hand over my phone and scroll through my messages. I felt pressured and didn’t know I could refuse. Later, knowing my rights, I asked for a reason—and the request stopped.

4. Cole, 12th grade
   I was given detention for something posted on social media outside of school. I didn’t think I could push back. After learning where school authority actually applies, I appealed it and the detention was removed.

5. Zara, 10th grade
   I was dress-coded and told I had to change or leave campus. I didn’t know I could ask for the specific rule. Later, I did—and found out the outfit didn’t violate the policy.

6. Matthew, 11th grade
   I was told I couldn’t appeal a failing grade even though it was calculated wrong. I accepted it and almost lost credit. After learning the appeal process, I requested a review and the grade was fixed.

7. Avery, 9th grade
   I was questioned about something that happened at school and felt like I had to answer immediately. I didn’t know I could ask for a parent present. Later, knowing that right, I waited—and the conversation went very differently.

8. Dylan, 12th grade
   My job told me I couldn’t take breaks because “no one else was.” I assumed that was normal. After learning the law, I asked—and breaks suddenly became standard.

9. Naomi, 10th grade
   I was told I couldn’t wear a religious item because it didn’t match dress code. I didn’t know I could challenge that. Later, after learning my rights, I raised the issue and was allowed to wear it.

10. Lucas, 11th grade
    I was told a disciplinary mark would stay on my record permanently. I didn’t know that wasn’t true, so I didn’t question it. After learning about record policies, I appealed—and it was removed.