The new bell at SLOHS seems to be a controversial addition. Photo courtesy of junior Joey Bernardo.

The beginning of the year at San Luis High School generally remains the same, but this year has brought a new addition; a new bell that rings a minute before class begins. The bell seems unnecessary, as there are many ways to tell the time, either by the many clocks at SLOHS, or our phones.
“By the time the bell rings, most people are already in class,” said junior Julien Sheetz.
For new students, the bell doesn’t seem that helpful. Some students may not even notice the bell at all.
Besides being unhelpful, the new bell may also become a distraction and source of anxiety. A sudden bell can stimulate the brain’s ‘fight or flight’ response, releasing stress hormones like cortisol. Over time, constant exposure can lead to chronic stress, affecting both teachers and students alike.
Even though there is evidence that more bells could be a problem, there are students who would say otherwise. Some students argue that the bell helps remind them to get to class on time.
“For me, the bell can kinda help remind me when class starts,” said junior Thomas Valle Gearhart.
For some students though, the bell can serve as a helpful reminder. Especially since many students either go off campus or are far away from their next class.
Despite this, there are a near endless amount of resources students and staff can utilize to keep track of when classes begin. The new bell is a pointless addition to the school.
You could even say it’s a waste of time.

Sources: medium.com