Benilde St. Margaret’s structure is part of the school’s identity. From the first bell to dismissal, nearly every part of the day is shaped by policy. While administrators say rules create order and safety, many students say the constant supervision can feel overwhelming. Several students describe an environment where independence is limited, even in situations where students believed they had earned trust.
One example students point to is the use of consistent seating charts. In nearly every class, seats are assigned and rarely changed, regardless of behavior or academic performance. Some students say this limits their ability to work comfortably or collaborate naturally with classmates. “Even in classes where students consistently stay on task, teachers still control where everyone sits, which makes it feel like students are not trusted to make responsible decisions,” sophomore Collin Goodwater said.
Study hall policies are another concern. During study halls, students, unless they’re seniors, are not allowed to leave the classroom and go home, even if their work is complete. Not having the ability to drive home during an 8th-hour study hall, even once one’s work is completed, can feel very frustrating. “Sitting in the same room for an entire period with nothing left to accomplish feels unnecessary and frustrating, especially when study hall is a free period,” sophomore Leo Ciccolini said.
Basic needs like going to the bathroom are also affected by school rules. At BSM, students must ask for a bathroom pass and sometimes wait while another student uses it. During long class periods, even a short wait for a bathroom pass can feel irritating. Lunch restrictions add another challenge because food service closes after C lunch, which means students must wait till the end of the school day to get something to eat.“Worrying about bathroom passes or not being able to grab something to eat in the lunchroom adds pressure to an already heavily structured day,” sophomore Sam Hennen said.
Other policies include the ban on AirPods in class or even during a quiet work time. I understand why the phone police is heavily enforced, but AirPods shouldn’t be included in that rule. Many students focus better with music playing because it helps them escape from the background noise in class. The school needs to be more easy-going with the rules, as many students have a desire for more balance between structure and independence. As a high school student preparing for adulthood, learning how to manage freedom responsibly is just as important as following the rules.