With a quarter of the year complete, and Christmas break on its way, Principal Wayne shanks "couldn't be more pleased with everything that's going on with school."
"We had difficult times with opening schools late and the budget must have been on everyone's mind, and of course the tragedy of September 11," Shanks said.
"I'm pleased with the maturity level of our student body and how they've responded to those issues. I'm sure there have been struggles, but we're coping with it."
In addition to sudden changes and events marking the beginning of this school year, students have also had to adjust to a different system of I.D. badges and discipline.
While some students do not agree with wearing the badges around their necks, Shanks believes this year's system is more beneficial.
"The addition of the bar code reader to use in the cafeteria and library have also increased the need (other than for safety) for the ID," Shanks said.
Disciplinary procedures have also changed. With the elimination of in-school suspension and after-school detention, lunch detention is the primary form of discipline. This method seems to work efficiently.
"Students are not misbehaving," Shanks said. "They're doing pretty much what they've been asked to do."
Last year, student were disciplined mainly for dress code violations. This year, however, Shanks believes "it's obvious the new policy dress code has been a good change for the students and faculty alike."
The students have responded positively to the new, more relaxed dress code.
"I think the student body has dressed for the most part in an acceptable manner," Shanks said.
"Last year's policy had a positive impact on this year's dress; the new policy came in and gave students the opportunity to use good judgment."
Students, however, should be careful to avoid accidental dress code violations. As the weather gets cooler, jackets and coats must be placed in the lockers.
Discipline is "down from last year, but it's also early in the year. As the year progresses, it's possible we could see an increase in discipline issues."
Freedoms awarded to the student body, such as the revised dress code and the privilege of eating lunch outside, are determined by the responsible actions of the students.
The number one objective of school is to provide an atmosphere condusive to learning; when determining any change in policies, Shanks must also consider the difference in maturity levels of students.
The Sept. 11 tragedy occurred on Cookeville High's first full day of school. Its impact on the student body has seemed to have been a positive one.
The events at the World Trade Center "put everything into perspective for the students," Shanks said.
"I think the students have realized we have it pretty good here in Cookeville and at the high school."