Benefit or a Curse?: WredHawk’s Voices on New Rule Changes

Ah, the signs of fall- the leaves are changing colors, the air is crisp, and the sweet taste of apple cider fills the season. Everything feels calm and cool… except at school. This year, fall brings more than just new supplies and cooler weather. It’s a season of rushing students, binder overload, and the frequent dropping of supplies in the hallways. This year, Redhawks and students across the district have been navigating unexpected changes, from the no-backpack rule to the new bell schedule. These adjustments have affected every Redhawk, and it has taken some time to adjust. 

However, these changes weren’t made just for the sake of it. According to Mr. Loversky, the new backpack rule was created and implemented because “we found that 28 backpacks in a class are a lot! They take up a lot of space and kids and teachers were tripping over them. Thompson has had a no-backpack rule and implemented that with success. So we moved to their model of no-backpacks. While it can be a little inconvenient, it is safer for students and staff.”

While the no-backpack rule affects students physically, its biggest impact is on mental health. Many students experience increased anxiety about getting to class on time or dropping their materials, a deciding factor behind Infinity student Will Ross’s petition, which has gathered over 150 signatures presently.

Mr. Rocha also acknowledges the mental health impact, stating, “Not having backpacks might cause anxiety for some students who like to have all their belongings with them.” This concern has prompted many to express their opinions, whether through petitions on platforms like Change.org, such as Will Ross’s, or by sharing their opinions and thoughts with friends. And it’s not just students who are speaking up.

Both teachers and students alike have been very vocal about sharing their opinions. Mrs. Amadei, an 8th-grade ELA teacher, thinks that once students adjust to the new rules, “this rule change will be a benefit.” However, Julia Taulbee disagrees. She thinks that the new rules are harmful. However, not everyone is firmly on one side or another. Art teacher Mr. Rocha thinks that the no backpack rule is both good and bad. “ It teaches students how to be responsible with their belongings and lock them up…. It can also be a hindrance, especially to students at the end of the day who are in the explore hallway, who need to get to buses quickly, or to an extracurricular activity right after school.” 

The no-backpack rule isn’t the only new school rule this year. Other rules/changes include an early release bell schedule on Wednesdays and the change in school boundaries, affecting some students’ schools this year. Gabriella Ferrante, a former Redhawk currently at Thompson, is one of them. According to her, it’s taking a bit to get used to school and where her classes are.  However, she’s not looking at the boundary change in a negative light. Rather, Gabriella appreciates the new boundary change, saying that she can “meet people who are going to the same high school as me.” 

Another significant change is the new school start times. However, these adjustments weren’t made without reason. Dr. Gordon, D303 Superintendent, revealed the reason in a newsletter to parents. He shared, “….. we have been focused on reducing expenses and balancing the budget to support the long-term financial stability of District 303. The Education Fund, which includes academic costs and employee salaries, is one of eight funds that make up the District’s budget… This was caused in part by the time increase to the elementary day implemented in the 2021-2022 school year.” So, with changes to the elementary schedule, adjustments to high school and middle school schedules followed.

Another new change is the reduced time for students to catch their buses at the end of the school day, which has been cut from about 14 minutes to seven. Julia Taulbee, an 8th grader at Wredling, has had to adjust to the tighter schedule, saying “I have to go back to my locker and then be picked up by my mom because if I took the bus I would miss it.” She’s not alone, when the bell rings, middle schoolers from all grades hurry to their lockers, racing to catch their buses on time.

So, what’s your view on these rule changes? And…..are they a blessing or a curse?