At 8 a.m. on Feb. 9, students of Milton High School heard a bell telling them that school was about to begin. Administration decided to add a bell signaling the start and end of every class, a practice that had been discontinued at the school 10 years ago.
According to Co-Principal Mr. Michael Bergey, the teachers expressed interest in using bells, which he said provides a concrete start and end time of each class. He added that bells are seen as a classroom management tool, which may benefit teachers who struggle to keep track of time.
Mr. Bergey said the faculty advisory committee brought the idea of a bell to him. After some consideration, he discussed the idea with tech and found they could make it happen, he added. Although the school began the process in October, it took months to initiate the bells, he said.
According to Mr. Bergey, there were six bell sounds to choose from. He added that he and other office staff tried to choose the one that sounded least “obnoxious.”
Mr. Bergey explained that with the bells, it has been easier to discipline students who are late to class. If students come in after the bell, they are late, and they should not leave until the bell has sounded. He added he has noticed that students are more in a rush to get to class now rather than loitering in the halls.
According to Dean of Students Mr. William Campbell, regardless of the sound of the bell, it still has been beneficial. Something softer would have been preferred, but it still provides a set start and end time for each class, he added.
He has noticed students arriving to class on time more frequently, and students have been getting written up less often for tardiness, said Mr. Campbell.
The bell provides an advantage to students and teachers because they are able to keep track of time better and reduce tardiness, added Mr. Bergey.
