After summer break, the students here at Niles Middle School were expecting to walk the halls with phones in their hands, watches on their wrists, and water bottles on their desks. The first day assembly, held by our principal, Mr. Reigle, shocked not only the students, but the teachers as well. Things are changing here at NMS.
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room… CELLPHONES. We all may or may not have cell phones, and let’s face it, we are addicted to them: all of us–teachers, students, etc. But, there’s a time and a place. Although last year’s rules weren’t as harsh, it could be a great opportunity for students to pay attention in class. Phones are not only a distraction, but it pulls away from a student’s social ability. How do you expect to hold a conversation with a new friend when all you have is your face on your phone? You can’t; learning to be social starts with interacting in school rather than on Snapchat or TikTok. I asked some students what they thought about the new rule and here’s what they said, “I understand the reason behind it, but we should be allowed to have them on us for emergency purposes. I feel if they’re put away, we should be obligated to have them. If something happens during the school day, I would feel more comfortable if I could text my mom.” -Skylar Lewis. Isabella Derr chimed in and said, “I think we should carry our phones because I would feel more comfortable if I could contact my parents if there was ever an intruder.”
One change that might go unnoticed is the Wi-Fi, as well as ONLY school issued chromebooks and their cases. It has taken a whole month to get all of the chromebooks out to students. Teachers have work to do! Tests, quizzes; they’re commonly taken on Google Forms. What are the students who hadn’t gotten their devices going to do? In addition to the chromebook situation, the cases on the chromebooks aren’t talked much about either. The cases for the chromebooks were pretty annoying to all students. But as a week or two went by, there really hasn’t been an issue.
Many teachers have changed classrooms and subjects this year. For example, Mr. T.C. Guarnieri took Mr. Woloschak’s position as the in school suspension instructor. Mr. Guarnieri obviously wanted a change after teaching World History for over 30 years. I asked Mr. Guarnieri how he likes the change from history to ISS and here’s what he said, “So far it has been a nice change. I enjoy mentoring students who have wandered down the wrong path and try to assist them to see the errors or their way. I will say I loved World History, especially ancient Greece and Rome.” Another teacher who had a major change in school subjects is Mr. Myers. He is now a sixth grade math teacher who took the occupied classroom of Mr. Hoover after he retired. A big change like that can be overwhelming, but not for this teacher! “So far I’ve really enjoyed the change from grade Pre-Algebra to sixth grade math. I feel like they really enjoy learning new things and it’s also just a nice change of pace from teaching eighth grade.” Therefore, Ms. Sullivan now teaches sixth grade history as well as M. Guarnieri in seventh grade. Another teacher we know well is Mr. Woloschak; he left the Dragon Den to take the position of Mr. Raschilla at the high school. Don’t worry, we’ll see him in a few months as the sixth grade gym teacher. In case you were wondering, he’ll still be the track coach!
There are a lot of new faces here at NMS; let’s break them down. Ms. Superak, Ms. Tabor, and Miss Franken who originally was a student teacher for Mrs. Clark. Ms. Superak teaches sixth and seventh grade science. Ms. Tabor is an eighth grade teacher who teaches Pre-Algebra and Physical Science. Lastly, Miss Franken is a math teacher who is providing some math intervention for Ms. Raggozino’s students.
We all eat in the cafeteria for breakfast and lunch. But now, for lunch there are some new rules that differ from last year. Students have to walk down their rows and not across in order to get in line for food. They have to go the same way for dumping their trays then additionally walk up by the stage until their row is reached. The trash cans are in the back by the staff room and girl’s bathroom instead of by where you put your trays. I asked a couple of students what they thought about this change and here’s their input, “If I’m being completely honest, I don’t hate having to walk up and over for lunch. It helps with traffic congestion to get and throw away your lunch. I honestly like it but it can get annoying to hear Mr. McConnell yell at students who don’t listen.” -Kaelee Houseman.
These changes at NMS might have been hard on some students, but they are needed to provide a better education. The cell phone usage needed to stop and as hard as that is to face–it’s needed! The changes here aim to make a better learning community for students, teachers, and staff members. Get used to it NMS…these changes are for the better, and that’s just how it is!