McPherson High School switched over to their new bell schedule when the 2016 school year began on August 17th. The tardy bell for first hour now rings at 7:50 and the final bell, on normal days, sounds at 2:51. These changes allow fewer students to miss their seventh hour for sports and clubs, and also gives students with jobs a little longer after school to complete homework.

  “It’s really weird,” said junior Derek Riley, “I don’t know what time we get out of class anymore, but I like being here a bit earlier- we get out a lot earlier.”

  Faith Wehrman, a senior at MHS had a differing opinion on the altered times. “I know a lot of students really have trouble waking up in the morning, so they’re even more tired,” said Wehrman, “Teenagers are on a different clock. It’s hard to have their brain focused and ready to learn that early.”

  Another popular feeling towards the change was summed up nicely by James Fish, senior at MHS.

  “Eh. I honestly don’t know,” said Fish.

    Along with an earlier starting time, the passing period between first and second hour has been lengthened to seven minutes for ‘second chance breakfast.’ During this time, students are allowed to buy various breakfast items from the cafeteria if they missed breakfast before their classes began. Morning band practices have also been pushed back to fit with the new schedule.

  “I don’t like it because we have to be at school at 7:35 for band, or we’re late,” said Lauren Grieb, “Last year we had to be here at 8, and it was much better.”

  These changes don’t only affect students- teachers are adjusting as well.

  “It’s taken a little bit to get used to, but I like it,” said Brian Little, social science teacher and cross country assistant,  “I will have to miss a lot less of 7th hour.”

  His only suggestion was to alter classes for the daily routines. “I think if third hour was longer for announcements it would work better,” said Little.

  “I like it,” said Patrick Corcoran, social science teacher, “I like it because you get to practice earlier and get home earlier- to see my kids.”

  For now, the new MHS bell schedule for 2016 is here to stay.