Throughout the current eighth-graders’ three years at Kingswood Oxford, the Middle School has seen two directors and various rule changes, both minor and major. From 2010 until 2017 math teacher and Director of Teaching and Learning Mrs. Jane Repp was the director of the Middle School
Since Director of Middle School Ms. Ann Sciglimpaglia, also known as Ms. Scig, has taken over, some of the rules have become a more prominent part of the average student’s day. “The rules got a lot more strict and hard to follow,” eighth-grader Alex Arnold said. This seems to be a general consensus among students.
One of the main rules students find difficult is the no phone rule. Middle School students are required to turn their phones into their advisor. “I think that we should be able to have our phones, it makes me feel connected,” eighth-grader Tess Chapman. Now the phone rule has always been in place but last year it became a more enforced rule.
Phones must be stored in advisee rooms, and teachers will remind students if they see that a student has not done this. “I am not going to pat people down to find phones,” Assistant Director Mrs. Dunn said.
Another rule that was added by Ms. Scig was no headphones during study hall rule.
Many students say that headphones help them get more work done and block out the distractions. “I get what the goal is but for me personally I work better with music as it helps me to be more productive during study halls,” eighth-grader Alle Kotowitz said.
Among students, this seems to be the most difficult rule. “What I do not understand is the fact that we can’t talk but we can’t be silent in our own way,” eighth-grader Jacob Joseph said.
The middle school has seen many changes but most of them have a purpose.
“Anyone who knows me knows that I don’t think that we are a completely rule oriented community because that is not a good environment,” Ms. Scig said.
Any teacher that is asked will say that the rules are there to help us get the most out of the day at school, even if we don’t see it that way.
