On Monday, August 18, Durango High School released an email containing all the information for the upcoming year, including multiple changes from last year. What do the students have to say about that?
The bell schedule shifted slightly this year. Last year, school started at 8:15 in the morning and ended at 3:35 in the afternoon, compared to this year, where school starts at 8:25 and ends at 3:45. This allows students to have more time to get to school in the mornings but means they have to stay later in the afternoon. Nine out of 10 students interviewed said they like starting later, but don’t like losing time after school.
Along with the bell schedule, attendance policies were updated. For each weighted class, if five or more unexcused absences are exceeded, the weighted grade will be lost. This is a new idea hoping to decrease unexcused absences. When asking students about this, most were neutral about the new policies.
The green team has recently partnered with the cafeteria “as an effort to increase sustainable actions in our school,” said school email released. Using reusable plates for hot lunch will help decrease unnecessary waste. The green team continues to make our school a better place.
The most controversial topic is the phone policy. Many students don’t want to hand in their phones for a class period. Sophomore student Hannah Hyder says, “I think it is helpful for us to learn without distractions, but I think we should use it in the hallway if we need to.” Another student who asked to remain anonymous says, “I like to keep it on me; it makes me feel safe.” On the other hand, teachers don’t have to constantly look for and remind students to put their devices away when the phone is already in a safe place. Last year, students were mostly required to put their phones up in a caddy. This year, some teachers give the option to keep their device put away in a backpack as long as it’s not a distraction. Everyone has a different opinion on this topic, but for the most part, this policy seems to be working.
Overall, DHS has made multiple changes for the 2025-26 school year in hopes of improving learning, sustainability, and student focus. While some students like the new policies, others remain unsure, but one thing is clear, Durango High School is trying to make an even better learning environment for it’s students.
