By Julia Mazzucco & Kate Seaman
The summer was not just a resting period for WHS. Numerous improvements have been implemented in order to improve the educational experience for the students. One such change was the loss of traditional analog clocks.
The summer was not just a resting period for WHS. Numerous improvements have been implemented in order to improve the educational experience for the students. One such change was the loss of traditional analog clocks.
With every glance around the building, there is a clock in view. Immediately upon entering the school, illuminated digital clocks are seen at either end of each hallway and inside every classroom. The clocks, which also feature speakers, have many conveniences for both school and student safety.
Assistant Principal Mr. Jim DeSarno said: “It was time to change the public address system. In certain areas of the building the PA didn’t reach, such as the bathrooms and classrooms in the science wing.”
With this deficiency came concerns that certain parts of the school would not be able to hear when different drills are being enacted or if a real emergency came up.
For some students there are many positives. Junior Devyn Tibbals agreed saying, “I think it’s good we don’t have to check our phones and I like how everywhere I look there’s a clock.”
DeSarno added that the new clocks “provide a safer environment… Students won’t be looking down at their phones, and teachers can time themselves better.”
However, some students don’t agree and prefer to check their phones for the time. Senior Noah Bram said: “I think the clocks are a waste of money. It’s really not that big a deal if we have our phones out for a second.”
In addition to displaying the time, the clocks will also service the school during drills by replacing the time with messages about each drill. Additionally colored lights will display above the time on the clocks to represent each specific drill.
“This allows any student to be able to hear and see what is happening instantaneously,” said DeSarno.
DeSarno continued: “We are always finding ways to improve and this improves security without turning the school into a prison. This increases the awareness of the students and staff for the better[ment] of our school community.”
Assistant Principal Mr. Jim DeSarno said: “It was time to change the public address system. In certain areas of the building the PA didn’t reach, such as the bathrooms and classrooms in the science wing.”
With this deficiency came concerns that certain parts of the school would not be able to hear when different drills are being enacted or if a real emergency came up.
For some students there are many positives. Junior Devyn Tibbals agreed saying, “I think it’s good we don’t have to check our phones and I like how everywhere I look there’s a clock.”
DeSarno added that the new clocks “provide a safer environment… Students won’t be looking down at their phones, and teachers can time themselves better.”
However, some students don’t agree and prefer to check their phones for the time. Senior Noah Bram said: “I think the clocks are a waste of money. It’s really not that big a deal if we have our phones out for a second.”
In addition to displaying the time, the clocks will also service the school during drills by replacing the time with messages about each drill. Additionally colored lights will display above the time on the clocks to represent each specific drill.
“This allows any student to be able to hear and see what is happening instantaneously,” said DeSarno.
DeSarno continued: “We are always finding ways to improve and this improves security without turning the school into a prison. This increases the awareness of the students and staff for the better[ment] of our school community.”