One month into semester two, administration announced a new set of rules around students’ mandatory AIM period.

Through an email sent out on Jan. 31, administration introduced the “No Fly Zone.” This is a five minute period at the start of each class where students are not allowed to leave their classroom.

As with the blended learning struggles earlier this year, these news rules were put in place with hopes to improve student attendance and give teachers easier class periods.

However, with the introduction of this rule came confusion. The email sent out to students versus the one sent to teachers allowed for many mixed thoughts. Many didn’t understand the “No Fly Zone” or how the rule was meant to work.

“If AIM is supposed to allow us to get help from teachers, how are we supposed to have enough time to work with time getting taken away?” says MCHS student Amanda Miles.

Another student, Olivia Vernooy, adds, “The No Fly Zone is punishing students due to others cutting, even if they weren’t involved.” 

While the “No Fly Zone” has upset and confused some students, administration has high hopes for the outcome of the rule. 

“I hope that this will help everyone in the building gain some semblance of order in the building,” states MCHS principal Dr. Jeff Prickett.  “With the end goal being that we can help our young adults with the responsibility of having certain freedoms. “ 

Although the restrictions were set in place with good intentions, some are concerned staff will continue to ignore these new rules and fail to better explain them.

“The plan to help confusion is to continue reiterating to everyone what the procedures are,” states Prickett. “Over time, with practice, people begin to understand and confusion starts to turn clear.”