by Justine Seo ’19, Staff Writer

“The study hall policy could improve.”

“Dress Code!”

“I think we should have placement tests for English.”

“Dress Code.”

“Ban on assignments due after any length of break.”

“Shorter school days.”

“Dress Code!”

When I asked various students about what they wanted to see changed around NA, the answers were not particularly surprising.  Most replied pensively, slowly thinking over what they were going to say before choosing one aspect of school life that they wanted to improve. I set out to ask fellow students one-on-one what they thought the school could benefit from in the hopes that they would have more juicy and absurd suggestions than the ones presented in front of the entire class, but the types of suggestions from both situations did not vary greatly.  At the ninth grade meeting for voice proposals that would improve NA, most followed a similar pattern, having to do with changing rules or regulations that would affect smaller parts of their everyday life, such as how they dress.  Among these suggestions included being able to wear leggings everyday, or at least on casual days, use phones in the L, and have a waffle iron in the lunchroom.

“Dress Code, food, and assessments. Those are usually the categories that students want to change,” states student council member Drew Flanagan ‘19.

Students seem to want these kinds of changes because they revolve around the idea of feeling more comfortable at school.  School can be a more pleasant place for students if minor parts of it are changed, such as adjusting dress policy to allow more relaxed clothes. These types of changes are requested frequently, as NA can be a stressful environment.  Voice proposals are a way for students to say how they want the school to change to help lower the level of stress.  With the current rules in place, it can be harder for students to calm down.  Even something as small as being able to wear sweatshirts every day or changing test policy on finals week can make life a little easier on students with multiple sources of stress, ranging from tests to sports. This being the first year I experienced voice proposals at NA, I was able to see how important it is for a student body to have a say in what they want their school life to be like.  Of the many aspects that make NA unique, voice proposals are one of the most substantial, as they offer a chance to help change our community for the better. Looking into 2016, we should work to make school a more comfortable environment for everyone.