Whether it was your first day of high school ever, or your first or last day of public education, you were bound to be at the place we’ll call home for these next few months: school!
This year, however, some things are a little different. With policy changes underway in New Jersey, Kingsway has had to make some adjustments of its own. Keeping, of course, its students in mind, Kingsway has sought to create and enforce new procedures and practices here at our school!
Now, before the students share their perspectives on these changes, let’s understand the changes. Kingsway, following the rest of New Jersey, implemented new cell phone policies within the classroom.
However, unlike other schools in New Jersey, Kingsway has changed the typical cell phone policy. Students now place their cellphones in a calculator holder during class time and are still able to utilize them during lunch and passing periods.
As schools across the country move towards a new digital age, high schools are increasingly incorporating technology into their classrooms. Kingsway has begun using Securly, an online pass system for transportation within the campus, whether that be to the bathroom, nurse, etc.
What do students have to say about some of these new changes, and this upcoming school year?
Class of 2026 senior Kamiah Schofield admits she was a bit disappointed when hearing about these new changes for her last year of high school. However, after hearing more about the choices Kingsway made to improve these circumstances, she understood the reason these rules are in place.
For her last year at Kingsway, while she feels a bit stressed, juggling school, college applications, and numerous other extracurriculars, she looks forward to seeing what the future holds.
Junior and Class of 2027 member Elaina Palenchar, on the other hand, while understanding the reasons these were implemented, feels that cellphones are beneficial in the classroom.
She feels that educating students and teachers on the helpfulness of them could limit their usage as distractions.
But she understands the significance of it, and even believes that Securly could simplify the transportation process here at Kingsway. Ojasvi Gaekwad, another junior, feels classes go by normally, and there are no distractions during instruction. She believes that it’s something you get used to with time.
Both these juniors are excited and nervous for the coming year. While junior year will be academically challenging, they look forward to this year’s football games, pep rallies, and Homecoming.
This year, new junior class events were even added, including a Halloween Junior movie night and Junior prom. Students are immensely thrilled to see these favorites as additions for this new school year.
Ryan Quadir, a sophomore, while not particularly fond of the new policies, understands the intentions behind them and appreciates Kingsway’s choice of something less extreme compared to other schools. He does, though, wish that study hall be excluded in these ‘instructional time, cellphone-free’ periods.
As a student with a rigorous schedule, he often finds the study hall to be his relaxing period and a time to breathe. He sometimes finds that doing work on his cell phone proves more productive. However, he feels that the new policies could prove beneficial in the long run.
For his sophomore year, Ryan holds a treasurer position in the student council and wants to try joining new clubs. He is grateful to Kingsway for all its opportunities, including numerous clubs and activities you can join, or options for a rigorous course load through which Ryan is taking physics II.
Class of 2029 freshman Austin Grubb feels that without his cellphone, he’s been able to interact with his classmates more during free time in class. He said that these policies have the potential to create a great environment for students and staff, though it is certainly an adjustment.
Austin is so beyond excited for his freshman year and the high school experience. He can’t wait to see what is ahead of him.
While these policies met with mixed opinions, Kingsway’s willingness to listen to its students and give their voices value in the school community has enabled students to feel peace of mind, feeling heard and understood. In fact, now, students are voicing their opinions to the Board of Education student representatives, who act as liaisons between the student body and the Board of Education.
Though this year starts with some changes to typical Kingsway, with time these changes have the potential to completely transform our school. Whether it be new cellphone changes, pass systems, movie nights, or Junior Prom, change is happening.
Whatever it may be, from improving safety to instructional time, we hope our Dragons feel heard and enjoy their first (or last) moments at Kingsway.
