Nowadays, the color combination of black and orange can only mean one of two things: either it’s Halloween, or someone just suffered a losing battle with the local district attorney. Some might be surprised that the latter definition is openly compared to the IB program at PHUHS.
The IB program is known for its rigorous academic curriculum, and at times it seems like the “sentence” of four years will never end. But the IB experience ends on “Jailbreak” day, which for the class of 2012, falls on Friday Apr. 27.
Bright orange t-shirts mimicking prison jumpsuits are handed out to IB seniors prior to the celebration, each with the student’s specific candidate number(identification number for the IB program), or inmate number, printed on the back (in black). On that eventful friday, IB seniors congregate in the halls wearing their loud t-shirts, begging for the attention and envy of high school students everywhere (who invariably also want to leave school for the entire month of May). For this year’s IB senior class, this tradition is sure to stay the same.
After the festivities, many will continue their fun while attending Grad Bash (which just so happens to fall on the same day), while others will quietly return to their homes to bask in the glory of defeating hell.
However, though this day may seem extraordinary, the worst torment of IB is still to come; IB seniors are allowed to leave school in May for one reason – to take their IB exams. These exams are the major factor in determining whether students are able to receive the IB Diploma – whether they pass or fail the IB program. So, while some may be envious of the break from attending high school, they should not long to endure the anxiety, panic, and stress that accompany these exams.
Additionally, IB seniors will have to return to school the day after the last scheduled exam, Wednesday May 23. This, truly, is where the release from prison lies – Jailbreak is really just a sentence of parole. Following their return to school, students will enjoy 11 days of stress-free classes (including end-of-school exam days), interrupted by IB Senior Celebration on Sunday June 3, and ending with Graduation on June 7, the last day of the 2011-2012 school year.
However, the reality of IB exams will not stop students from screaming for joy when the final bell rings on Apr. 27, so students should be prepared for prison-related activities such as rioting, which also includes a possible breakout of the “Thriller” dance, and remember: just because they’re wearing orange jumpsuits, doesn’t mean that they are in any way under control.