Detention Diaries

A look into what really goes on in detention at our school

By Daysun Brown, Staff

It finally happened. 2,216 days into my education career, I got a detention. What did I do to be put in this situation? I was simply late to first period three times in the first quarter. Will it happen again? Possibly. Yes, detention is supposed to be a place of punishment and a time to reflect on the choices that got you there. But instead, it inspired me to write this piece. As I sat across from Vice Principal Greg Hall after my third tardy, I was presented with options of when I wanted to serve my time. What a privilege. I missed nothing after school except a bunch of high school traffic, so if anything this was a reward. If you know me you know that I am typically referred to as a “good kid” and I would never be in a situation that would cause me to get a detention. You wouldn’t be surprised to know that I started out very upset, and maybe even cried a little. But after a few hours, I saw the opportunity that was presented to me. I got to the detention room at 3:41 p.m., but the hour didn’t start until 3:50 p.m. Mrs. Platt, the teacher, seemed surprised that someone was there that early but I was unaware of the “appropriate” detention etiquette— arriving late. As I sat down I noticed a colorful welcome banner draped across the front board and the two floor-length windows in the corner, a pleasant surprise that my other classes don’t have. The bright room was decorated with posters and a butterfly mobile with an inspirational quote floating in one corner. The final touch was some very comfortable swivel chairs and even two bean bags. I chose a swivel chair and settled in to serve my hour of subordination. I came prepared with all of my notes and homework printed out on paper because I expected this time to be a punishment and I would be restricted from using any electronics. However, I noticed that every other person in the room was on their computer or phone with headphones in. So what are my opinions on detention? Well, it’s simply a study hall, but it smells good, has natural lighting, and is quiet. Honestly, one of the best rooms in the building. A hidden gem in the school. I personally loved detention, but there is a problem with that statement. Detention

should be a little more punishment and a little less luxury. Phones, laptops, and headphones all seem like items that shouldn’t be allowed to be used in this time. That might “I originally be an unpopular opinion, but having your thought that phone makes it the same as sitting in your detention room or any study hall. This time allows for you to scroll would be one through Tik Tok for a complete hour with of the worst no interruptions from parents, teachers, or hours of my friends. You can leave and go to the bathroom whenever you like and I even observed senior year but a student walk in 20 minutes late. it turned out to Privilege is even present in our punishbe one of my most inspiring ments at Zionsville. I originally thought that detention would be one of the worst hours of my moments.” senior year but it turned out to be one of - Daysun my most inspiring moments.

Brown, senior I didn’t form a band like in Disney’s Lemonade Mouth or make any unusual friendships like in The Breakfast Club, but I did enjoy my time in Room 203. Detention was perfect, but also nothing like what it should be.

photo by Gretchen Drews