MIDDLE SCHOOL CONTRIBUTION: Saved By the Bell? Not Anymore!

By Sydney Berkowitz ‘29 and Alyse Goldman’29
Bells and passing times have been removed this school year, to help promote students’ independence and time management.

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In past years, a school bell would ring to signal the end of a period and the beginning of a short passing time to prepare for the upcoming class, with another bell after passing time at the start of the next class.. 
“I feel like it is an adjustment…, but it is new, and we are trying,” said Judaic studies teacher Mrs. Kaufman. 
“Sometimes, it is easier for people to have something to remind them when to go to class, like bells or music,” Mrs. Kaufman continued.
Math Department chair Mrs. Bilmes said, “I am excited about the new schedule because I am always eager to try and learn new things. I have never taught without bells or official passing times, and I’m open to the challenge.”
“However,” she added, “it is taking time to get used to it on certain days. 
Some schools like Rancho Mirage High School in Palm Springs, California, have never used bells, believing that doing so creates a more relaxed school environment. Students and teachers there believe it is good to have no bells, as they can learn to keep track of their own time.
“I think it is good for students to have to manage getting themselves right to class with the right materials,” said science teacher Mrs. Endlich. “At this point I am still getting comfortable with it.” 
Yet some students have not been as happy with the changes. 
“There are no passing times any day and it is annoying because on Friday I have three classes in a row,” said 6th grader Ben Winter. 
“I feel like the school should have bells so you know when periods start and end, and would know when to go to class,” added 6th grader Mira Michelson. 
All in all, new 6th graders are making a big transition to the upper school, and there are many changes that they will need time to get used to.