The Vista
Page 5 OP-ED
Teachers Should Be Uniform As students have settled into their new classes and become accustomed to new teachers, the disconnect of policies between classrooms has become clear. Issues like dress code, food, and iPad usage are often switching from room to room, creating many issues for students. School policies have been set in place for many reasons, yet girls have found ways to get away with certain issues, depending on their classes and teachers. Once they begin to know their teachers, girls know what each teacher will allow or not allow, regardless of the policies. While some girls may see this as a way to bend the rules and be more comfortable at school, it would be better for the entire school if all teachers kept their policies the same. Keeping the policies consistent in every classroom would encourage girls to stay in order for the entirety of the school day and to avoid trying to get away with breaking policies. For example, sweatshirts and sweatpants are policies that are more heavily enforced from some teachers than others. It would be more beneficial for girls if they were to keep the policies similar when moving from classroom to classroom. Then girls don't have to rush to change what they are wearing based on what teacher they have next.
Lines by Mary
It would be better for them to know that whatever classroom they are walking into will continue to have the same rules and policies on things, regardless who their teachers are. This can lessen the girls’ anxiety when it comes to disciplinary actions that they may receive based on wearing a spirit shirt instead of the uniform shirt. This applies to what girls can bring into the room as well. Some girls try to hide coffee travel mugs if they know they are going to a class where it might not be allowed. Hiding such things in their purses can cause many issues, especially if a spill would happen. Keeping similar policies helps girls to not get caught in a mess that they don't want to clean up because they will stop trying to push the envelope. If they know every teacher will enforce the rule, it makes it a lot harder, and pointless, to try to break the rule. School policies are in place, no matter where the girls are in the school. If all teachers enforce the rules equally, it would create less problems for the girls in the long run. This will also keep the girls from getting demerits in different classes and would take away the anxiety that comes with them.
By Mary K. Grzybowski
An Eagle’s View
A Christmas Wish List for Eagles Mary K. Grzybowski This Christmas, the NDA faculty, staff, and students have put together a Christmas list to be sent to the North Pole. The Vista has compiled it here for Santa’s convenience. Mrs. Chapman requested a set of virtual reality headsets to go with the anamatoge table, so that eventually students will be able to do full-length labs simulating episodes of Grey’s Anatomy. Students are especially excited to be working with the esteemed Dr. Derek Shepherd. In an attempt to apply the same handson learning to their own curriculum, the English Department requested a way for students to virtually experience the books they are reading. Though the initial trials did yield higher test scores, sophomores who read Orwell’s 1984 consequently had trouble in their math classes, insisting that 2+2=5. Ms. Joseph wants a full-time chef to work in her office and make snacks for the IB girls so she doesn’t have to keep stocking it with candy. Preferably, the chef would prepare something non-spicy, as most of the girls enter the office with tears in their eyes already. Mrs. Wilkens wants additional time allotted to her chemistry classes so that they can practice Just Dance without it cutting into their studies. AP Chemistry students reportedly had “significant difficulty” taking the AP Chemistry test last year, but didn’t skip a beat when joining the NDA Hip Hop team. Students who frequently use the elevator request that there be big-band elevator music inside to match with the elevator grill, so that it both looks and sounds like they are in the 1940s. The Tech Nest wants an automatic messaging system to be added to their phone and emails so that when teachers call, it automatically shoots back “Did you try turning it off and on again?” According to data from last year, this is predicted to boost their efficiency by 150 percent. Students who have classes in the JA Wing request that the school install airport moving walkways so they don’t have to run through the hallways to get to class in four minutes. This is predicted to reduce walking time by 70%, though this reduction may be offset by time spent in the luggage check line. Merry Christmas, Eagles!
