The beginning of the 2009 school year was abuzz over the long list of forms that students were required to print out at home through virtual backpack this summer. This was just the beginning of the new paper policy at Hopewell Valley Central High School, which will affect many aspects of student life this year.

    The district plans to continue the “paperless” trend by having more forms available virtually this year. CHS Principal, Mike Daher cites that the financial and environmental benefits as the reasons for Hopewell’s move away from paper.

    In these tough economic times the school district is attempting to cut out unnecessary spending. Programs like Virtual Backpack have helped save the district money by not requiring any mailing. According to Daher, the district saved over $2,000 this summer because school forms were not mailed directly to students. Money was also saved during back to school night this year because parents printed out their children schedules themselves. For the remainder of the school year progress reports will be available virtually and will no longer be mailed directly to students.

    However, the district’s environmental reasons for the new paper policy are debatable.  Some students argue that paper is not being saved at all. Student Council President Wren Sieber comments: “I have to pay for my own paper, not the school, so the paper policy is not ‘going green,’ it’s a financial matter.”
    When asked about this, Daher pointed out that students only needed to print out the ones that directly related to them.  Links such as the military opt-out forms are going to be done electronically this year. By doing this, these changes actually will save paper and benefit the environment.
    Hopewell’s new paper policy is evident throughout the school’s hallways.  This year, clubs and organizations are prohibited from hanging up flyers throughout the school.  The lack of flyers has had a negative effect on some, like senior class officer Lindsay Maida. She says, “It has definitely affected my knowledge about school events.  I never know when Model WHO meetings are anymore. I used to see flyers for club meetings all over.”  

    There are new bulletin boards located at the far end of the 300 hall, the 400 hall entrance, and across from the old gym as a replacement.  Hopefully students will get used to the change and look to the bulletin boards for information about school events.

    Larger posters are still permitted, even though flyers on printer paper are not.  “The new paper policy regarding flyers will be less work for the janitors and Mr. Lang.  Papers all around the school are also an eyesore,” said Daher.  

    Hopewell’s growing reliance on technology also affects students in the classroom.  More teachers are going “paperless” and are expecting assignments to be emailed. Andy Paull, an English and Journalism teacher thinks the movement towards technology is excellent and progressive. Nevertheless, Paull thinks that teachers need to be careful when assigning work virtually. 

    “All students have different learning styles. Being able to hold the paper and have tangible copies is still important,” said Paull.

    Paull’s main reason for assigning work electronically is to prepare students for their professional life.  “Virtual and electronic assignments prepare students for what will be expected from them in the future,” observes Paull.

    From this perspective, Hopewell’s new paper policy is beneficial for students because of the growing influence of technology in modern society.  The paper policy also reflects the high school’s ability to smoothly transition into the “electronic age” of the 21st century.

    Unfortunately, there is a concern among students that Hopewell’s new paper policy is making student life more difficult rather than easier.  Many students feel that the change is a confusing hassle.

    “Sometimes completing assignments virtually or through email makes things more difficult. When I don’t need a paper copy of an assignment I tend to put it off or forget to email it,” said senior Alina O’Donnell.  For many, sending assignments and completing school forms online is another inconvenience.

    Only time will tell whether the school’s new paper policy will be a success. Hopefully, Hopewell’s movement towards technology will prepare students for the future and prove to be a helpful resource rather than an inconvenience.