This year, BSM has introduced a new policy requiring freshmen and sophomores to have a study hall rather than a free hour. A study hall differs greatly from a free hour, which is something that BSM sophomores have had the privilege of having for many years. This controversial change is causing many sophomores to feel misled, angry, and robbed.
The real difference between a study hall and a free hour is very evident. A free hour has been granted to BSM senior high students for many years, and it comes with great privileges. During free hours, students are given full access to their phones and have a choice over whether or not they can study or do homework. Students can be in the Cube, cafeteria, or library.
Many students look forward to their free hour during the day, as they have full freedom over what they will do. Additionally, seniors are able to leave during their free hour, something that is a huge advantage for senior Natalie Best. “I love free hour because I have it [on my] seventh and eighth period [hours], and I get to go home and take a nap every day,” Best said.
I love free hour because I have it [on my] seventh and eighth period [hours], and I get to go home and take a nap every day
— Natalie Best
However, after COVID, freshmen were given a “quiet study hall” instead. Freshmen were split up, put into classrooms, and were not able to have access to their phones. The point of this was to implement good study habits during school rather than after, when students have social commitments like sports and jobs. “We want to be able to give organizational or dedicated time for students and their studies, which we feel is a very important thing, being a college prep school…It’s intended to be able to create more good habits for students just by being in a quiet space,” Assistant Principal Matt Weingartz said.
This policy seems great on paper and extremely convenient; however, current sophomores were looking forward to the privilege of a free hour. Now that the sophomores have to be in a study hall for the second year, their opinions have changed drastically from last year. In a recent survey sent out by the Knight Errant, 52 sophomores responded, and over 90% were not in favor of the new change. 86.5% of students even said they don’t enjoy their time in study hall.
“I think everyone feels the same way because it’s definitely something that shouldn’t have been taken away from us. Why? Because everyone else got [a free hour]. Why don’t we get one? Like, what’s the difference?…I feel horrible about this new change. I think it’s unfair,” sophomore Taylor Winegarner said.
Although the majority of sophomores surveyed would rather experience the freedom of a free hour, some feel their workload is lightening significantly. If there is no choice but to do homework in a study hall, homework gets done faster, especially without the distractions of phones. “It kind of does suck that I don’t get my phone but honestly, it does force me to get my work done. It helps me be productive and I really appreciate it,” sophomore Piper Roos said.