When we think of senior year, we often picture college applications, senioritis, and the excitement of senior ball. But for many students, the year’s highlight is the tradition of senior pranks. 

Senior pranks are a way to celebrate the end of an important chapter with humor and creativity. But it has been made clear that these pranks will not be tolerated by Cal High administrators.

An email was sent to parents on April 28 about senior pranks, stating the school has a zero-tolerance policy for any such shenanigans, and students involved in planning or participating in one will face consequences. 

Although it’s understandable why administrators want to prevent pranks on campus, the school’s stance is a bit overly dramatic and unfair. Yes, certain pranks that can cause harm to staff or students should not be tolerated. But harmless pranks should be allowed.

Harmless pranks are a way for seniors to celebrate the end of their high school journey. They bring the class together and create memories that last a lifetime.

For example, pranks like filling hallways with inflated balloons or putting sticky notes all over a teacher’s door are funny and harmless. These pranks do not hurt anyone or damage school property, but they do make everyone smile. 

Other harmless prank ideas include spelling out the class year with toothpicks or forks in the cafeteria, or wrapping classroom desks and chairs in bubble wrap. These pranks are creative, easy to clean up, and don’t disrupt the school day in a major way. Even organizing a flash mob or karaoke event during lunch, with administrative approval, can be a memorable experience for everyone involved.

Allowing harmless pranks can also build a sense of community. When students work together to plan a fun prank, they learn teamwork and creativity. It’s a tradition that has been around for years, and it is something many students look forward to. Taking away this tradition makes senior year less special and memorable for students.

On the other hand, some pranks cross the line and should not be permitted. For instance, releasing live animals on campus is never a good idea. This happened at Cal High in 2017, when live mice were released on campus and many were killed.

Pranks that involve vandalism and result in the destruction of school property should also never happen because they can result in costly repairs. In addition, setting off fire alarms, creating slip hazards with liquids, or playing games that involve fake weapons are dangerous and could be against the law. 

It is important for students to make sure that pranks are safe and respectful. That’s why there should be a rule that if a prank gets approved by one administrator before it happens then it should be allowed. This way, students can still have fun while the school can make sure nothing dangerous or disrespectful happens and everyone can feel comfortable knowing the prank won’t create problems.

This would let students enjoy their senior year, but keep the school safe at the same time.