Students returning to BDHS noticed one major change at the start of the year: a harsh set of rules and policies. These new restrictions have provided unnecessary stress that exacerbates the normal high school struggles.

The first noticeable change was the limited ability to see teachers in the morning. For many students, the morning is the best time to talk to teachers, not only to ask for help on school work but also to escape the craziness of the crowded hallway and cafeteria. Loud and busy spaces can trigger anxiety in some students and talking to teachers has created a consistent comfort zone. In these classrooms, students were able to build strong relationships with their teachers that could prove to be essential if they needed an adult to talk to.

Another change is the lock-down on cell phone use in the classroom. In the past, students have been allowed to use their phones to listen to music while doing classwork or when they have finished their assignments in some classes. Listening to music helps some students remain focused on their work, while allowing them to use their phones reduces the amount of students who use them when they are not supposed to be. However, most classes now have a total ban on cell phone use. There is no first warning if a student is using a cell phone, which has led to more referrals this year.

Finally, there is the new grading system. Homework and classwork have been reduced to a very small percentage of a student’s overall grade. Therefore, many students are struggling with finding the motivation needed to complete assignments and get the proper practice to perform well in class. Tests are now even more heavily weighted. If a student has test-taking anxiety, their grade is ruined by something they have little control over.

The new policies are causing more harm than good because they create a much more stressful environment for students. If school is not enjoyable, it is not effective.