In order to prepare students who are taking Advanced Placement courses next year, the district AP Council created a contract to be signed by the student and their parents to explain the course requirements and expectations.

“(The contract) gives students an idea of how much study time and effort they’re going to have to put into the class,” Data Specialist Renee Cox said.

Sophomore Journi Robinson said the mandatory signing of the contract is important because it binds the student to the course.

“It’s necessary,” she said. “If you try to get out of it, they’ll say you already committed yourself to it and you can’t take it back.”

Writing the contract was a process that took several months to complete.

“It was created over this past summer and then it finally received approval in early spring,” Cox said.

With this new contract, sophomore Maria Medina said more people will know what they’re doing.

“(The contract) thoroughly explains everything that we’re about to take (on) and experience,” she said.

Sophomore Victoria Ogwo said the commitment letter will not only help students, but also their parents.

“Some may have questions,” she said. “The contract helps them understand what their child is getting into.”

Cox said that the contract is essential for students because it goes in-depth about the course expectations.

“It allows everything to be very transparent,” Cox said. “It lets the student know, before the course begins, what is expected.”