Three tardies, dress code violations, unexcused absences, skipping homeroom…. any BSM student could tell you what these small misdemeanors bring: detention. In the hours immediately preceding and following the school day, classrooms 118 and 121 transform into the dungeons used to imprison the school’s wrong-doers.

But what innocent, detention-free students don’t know is that although it has a seriously negative connotation and terrifying portrayals in media, detention really isn’t as bad as it sounds. “Detention isn’t a horrible thing. It’s a quiet place for homework, but with some rules,” said Ms. Megan Kern, who oversees detentions along with Sister Jeanne Marie.

The most brutal punishments that detention-goers must endure are no phones, no music, no eating, no sleeping, no laptop games, and in some cases, no talking. “If a student wants to use their computer, he or she must sit nice and close to my desk, so I can monitor their screen,” said Ms. Kern.

Although some teachers think that students in detention have it easy, junior Matt Qualen, a self-proclaimed detention “regular,” offers a different perspective. “I’ve had about six detentions so far this year, mostly because of tardies. I hate that they don’t let me sleep during it. I actually have to work,” said Qualen.

Only those most seasoned in the ways of detention––the regular attendees––capture glimpses of entertainment while serving their time. Detention frequenters claim that Ms. Kern keeps a water bottle on her desk, at the ready to spray any students who misbehave. “One time, I told Ms. Kern that her US History assignments were stupid, and I got soaked,” said Qualen.

Contrary to popular belief, detention is not a complete waste of time, and it may have beneficial qualities for some students. “It’s just a forced study hall. It would be way worse if the students just did nothing at all because it would be pointless,” said Ms. Kern.

Little freshman and detention newbies, there is no need to stress over that notorious, dean-given slip of paper known as The Detention Reminder. “I come to detention even when I don’t have detention. I don’t get bummed when I do get one because I know it can help me in the long run,”said Qualen.