By Charles Cleveland
For two and a half years, Covid-19 changed the way we had gone about our daily lives. We wore masks, stayed six feet apart, and tried to find activities to do outside. But this year is different, or should I say, back to the same old way. The 2022-2023 school year is the first in two years where students’ biggest worry in returning to school was having all their favorite teachers.
But it’s not all as it was. Many changes have been made since the 2019-2020 school year, and some older students are not happy about the new school administration and rules. The new attendance policy, the swearing policy, the 4 point grading system, and the rules around re-submitting assignments are all heated issues with current students.
When asked about what they think of the new rules, Sophomore Julia K said; “There were 3 good ones and 50 bad ones. I like upper school advisory because I have more time to focus and get work done. I think the lunch system has improved since last year.” While Julia admits that there are some changes that they liked, they also said there are many issues with the “New Field.” “Many of the new policies …. like the attendance policy and disciplinary policies seem kind of crazy to me.”
Talking with other students, it’s easy to see that Julia’s frustrations are shared. We live in a large metropolitan city, and students get stuck in traffic almost constantly. Their tardiness in the morning can lead to infractions of the attendance policy that can result in having to have disciplinary meetings with teachers about things which they cannot control. Many students worry that from their tardiness, they may get marked down in their grades which could lead to trouble getting into their top colleges.
Junior Laingley F said, “The administration has changed significantly…they’re not as approachable as they used to be.” She also talked about what she was enjoying. “I think the sports have grown and my opportunities at school with the Spirit club have really benefited me and my education and my connection to Field.” Many athletes agree with Laingley in that sports at Field have become more important and have given students opportunities like out of state events where they can tour colleges and grow closer to their teammates. The spirit around sporting events has been lifted up this year, which gives hope to our teams and communicates to them that people care about how they do.
Julia and Laingley have some of their own suggestions for the administration. “Can we have back some of the old couches you took away? They were really great places to chill. Just a few,” was Julia’s very candid response. Laingley added “I think a lot of students have a lot of input and I think it’s important to listen to them because we are the people that go to the school and have to be with the teachers and I think listening to the students input would be the best option.”
These same sentiments can be heard echoing throughout the halls. The issues with the new lunch system and new teachers are something that many students find pressing. While there are many things that may not seem like a step in the right direction, it’s important to remember that while change can be scary, it can also be incredibly necessary.
No time of prosperity in human history has come from unwillingness to change.This reporter thinks back to the Renaissance of the 15th century, and how new ideas spread through Europe that were initially looked down upon. Or before the industrial revolution, how people were worried that machines would take their jobs, but ended up making their jobs far easier. If it’s hard for you to think like that, then try to remember the good parts about the “New Field.” How we are spending more time focusing on sports, and how our musical theater department is putting on 4 different shows this year. Try to look on the bright side, we at field news will be right there with you.