Neelam Nandra

Staff Writer

Cal High has always been noted for its outstanding quality of education.

Now, it’s also known for its beautiful, state-of-the-art campus, complete with solar panels carports, computer labs, and overhead projectors in each classroom.

But as one walks through the hallways and across the quad, just seeing all the trash in the corridors, stairwells and flower beds show that many Cal students don’t have any respect for the facilities we’re lucky to have.

Most students, born and raised in San Ramon, come to assume that schools come with every luxury at their fingertips.

Luxuries such as new parking lots, computers in every classroom, different clubs,  competitive sports teams, and excellent music and theater programs offer students a wide array of choices.

When spoiled with all these luxuries, it becomes harder for students to appreciate all those who make the school function properly, such as the custodians and lab technicians.

Students also don’t realize how fortunate  they are as compared to students from other Bay Area schools.

Schools in nearby Pittsburg, Richmond, Antioch and Oakland have poor schools, with academic and athletic programs that lack funding and other help.

In 2007, fewer than half of Pittsburg’s computers were in classrooms, according to the California Department of Education.

At Cal, more than 60 percent of school computers are in classrooms.

In addition, we also have more lab computers than other schools.

But students at Cal, used to living in the lap of luxury that is our community, don’t take proper care of the numerous facilities offered.

There are many instances of students abusing privileges, or not properly appreciating and taking advantage of the many resources offered.

Our library has had issues with students removing and switching keys from computer keyboards.

In art classes, people abuse the equipment, much of which  is paid for by grants teachers have worked hard to earn.

And most recently, an orchestrated food fight in the commons disrupted the lunch period, and created extra work for custodians and select students who were asked to help clean up.

This kind of behavior shows a disregard for those who help keep the school organized and  running smoothly.

Cal teachers are also sometimes taken for granted. Many teachers are disrespected and treated as though they are not trying to help students achieve their goals.

The school’s test scores indicate otherwise.

Cal’s Academic Performance Index (API) score  increased this past school year 16 points to 888 because of  teaching styles  and curriculum covered in the classroom.

In contrast, in schools like Antioch High, target growth for API scores was not met over this past year.

It doesn’t take much effort to show your appreciation for your school and  those who help keep  it running.

It only takes a few seconds to pick up and throw away your trash.

The problem is that students think they are entitled to all the things we have on campus. Many students don’t realize that life outside of Cal High isn’t as good.

Students at other Bay Area schools would love to have the kind of programs that Cal can offer.

We live in such an area that we are very lucky to have what we have, but not many understand that.