By Claire Gunning
Opinion Editor
Manhattan Beach Middle School Principal Kim Linz announced the new expectations matrix for the 2016-17 school year to students attending Manhattan Beach Middle School on August 29 during an assembly in the school’s multi-purpose room.
Linz replaced previous Principal John Jackson over the summer. Since her employment, she has held multiple discussions to hear input from both faculty workers and parents at MBMS in regards to the previous rules and regulations. These workshops provided Linz with insight on what rules needed to be adapted or adjusted for this school year, Linz said.
“[These new expectations] are not so much rules as they are expectations of what students should be doing versus what they shouldn’t do,” Linz said. “We are really focusing on the positives this year instead of the negatives for students.”
Link: Visit the website detailing MBMS policies.
According to Linz, one major expectation that upset students was the new prohibition of technology during the school day for non-educational purposes. Students can still use their devices in the school library, but strictly to complete homework and school projects.
“I think that the technology rule is better for MBMS because people used to just sit on their phones and do nothing, but now people actually do stuff at lunch,” MBMS eighth grader Bhavin Patel said.
Link: Visit the website detailing MBMS technology policy.
The school has also created a points system: when students are caught recycling or doing anything else which includes following the expectations, they are rewarded with a ticket. Students can then use the tickets for rewards such as In-N-Out lunch days, extended lunches and days with technology.
“While we have put in more restrictions at the middle school, we are also bringing in some new privileges as well,” Linz said. “Student response has been predominantly negative, but it seems to be settling in. I understand it’s a big change, especially for our eighth graders.”
According to Linz, the faculty at MBMS reacted positively to the new rules. Furthermore, several parents have shown their support for the rules and have met with Linz to express their opinions.
“The staff has seen an overall improvement in class time, and they are able to do more activities now in class that they couldn’t do before because students would previously fall back onto their personal devices [during activities],” Linz said. “What it really comes down to is teaching the staff how to monitor students and helping them make the right choices.”
MBMS has formed a committee consisting of staff members and students to help decide how these expectations will develop over time to meet the students’ and staffs’ needs. They will meet throughout the school year to assess the expectations and at the end of the school year, will decide whether to amend the rules in any way.
“[The committee] will really decide where we are going. It will allow students to have a voice in the matter, balanced with staff needs as well,” Linz said. “It’s important for students to have a voice and to also see where the adults are coming from too.”
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