The administration has officially reversed the recent changes to the MMC and the tech zones. We have secured a commitment to formal student consultation regarding future policy shifts and will monitor these implementation protocols throughout the semester.
January 6, 2016
Final supporters
By now, all of you have heard of the new BYOL policy which requires every student to bring a laptop/netbook - with certain specifications - to school. This change to the working environment has called for a series of spontaneous changes to school policy (both directly and indirectly related to the tech policy) that have been met with criticism by many students.
One example of these changes is the opening of the MMC's upper level to all grades. While this may be an exciting change for 7-11th graders, many IB students have complained about the detrimental effect on their working environment and believe that discussing (and possibly reversing) this decision is an urgent matter.
Another example of these changes is the establishment of a "no-tech zone" in the cafeteria which appears to be slowly spreading (it now includes the Alps building). Several teachers (including Mrs Clarke and Mr Dijkstra) are worried that these expansions will harm the effectiveness of the work areas set up in the English and Maths department.
These changes threaten to encroach on the productivity and supportive atmosphere of the academic environment that the school has set up in order to allow students to "develop their abilities to the highest level of their potential" (quoted directly from the foundation's mission statement). As such, they should be discussed with the student body and council as well as teachers and administration.
Despite numerous complaints about these issues and communications with the student council and members of school faculty we are impatiently waiting for results or updates. While we realize that immediate change isn't necessarily feasible or even desirable, we expect the implementation of new policies to halt while the details of each contentious step are worked out within the academic community.
Updates
Reached 250 supporters
October 8, 2015
Reached 100 supporters
October 7, 2015
October 7, 2015
We are approaching the 250 signature mark which is the threshold required to trigger a formal review by the board. Please forward this link to fellow students so we can secure our seat at the discussion table.
106 Comments
I think banning phones in the cafeteria at break and at lunch, is a mistake because that's when a lot of students check their messages or send one to their parents to organise lifts, or talk about plans. Due to the ban, this is no longer possible, so students end up doing it in class instead, which is also banned!
I already doubt the value of making every student bring a laptop to school but then combining this policy with no-tech zones makes even less sense. The top floor of the library should definitely only be left for IB students. It was an invaluable space for us to work
As a Year 11, I was looking forward to having a restricted area to work in next year. Really dissappointed with these decisions that clearly were not discussed with the students.
Allowing all secondary years in the upper level of the MMC is compromising our chances at performing to the best of our abilities on the IB, for what? for younger years to get excited about climbing an extra set of stairs?
IB students require the second floor of the MMC to work. During rush hour, it is flooded with 7-11th graders playing video games. It is impossible to get anything done if you have no desk to write on.
YAA
good idea
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The administration has officially reversed the recent changes to the MMC and the tech zones. We have secured a commitment to formal student consultation regarding future policy shifts and will monitor these implementation protocols throughout the semester.
January 6, 2016
Final supporters
By now, all of you have heard of the new BYOL policy which requires every student to bring a laptop/netbook - with certain specifications - to school. This change to the working environment has called for a series of spontaneous changes to school policy (both directly and indirectly related to the tech policy) that have been met with criticism by many students.
One example of these changes is the opening of the MMC's upper level to all grades. While this may be an exciting change for 7-11th graders, many IB students have complained about the detrimental effect on their working environment and believe that discussing (and possibly reversing) this decision is an urgent matter.
Another example of these changes is the establishment of a "no-tech zone" in the cafeteria which appears to be slowly spreading (it now includes the Alps building). Several teachers (including Mrs Clarke and Mr Dijkstra) are worried that these expansions will harm the effectiveness of the work areas set up in the English and Maths department.
These changes threaten to encroach on the productivity and supportive atmosphere of the academic environment that the school has set up in order to allow students to "develop their abilities to the highest level of their potential" (quoted directly from the foundation's mission statement). As such, they should be discussed with the student body and council as well as teachers and administration.
Despite numerous complaints about these issues and communications with the student council and members of school faculty we are impatiently waiting for results or updates. While we realize that immediate change isn't necessarily feasible or even desirable, we expect the implementation of new policies to halt while the details of each contentious step are worked out within the academic community.
Updates
Reached 250 supporters
October 8, 2015
Reached 100 supporters
October 7, 2015
October 7, 2015
We are approaching the 250 signature mark which is the threshold required to trigger a formal review by the board. Please forward this link to fellow students so we can secure our seat at the discussion table.
106 Comments
As a 13th grader who is putting serious effort into my studies, I no longer have any where that I can efficiently work, which is a serious issue. I feel that it is imperative that the upper floor of the MMC is returned to 12 and 13 grade only. It was a ridiculous change
I think banning phones in the cafeteria at break and at lunch, is a mistake because that's when a lot of students check their messages or send one to their parents to organise lifts, or talk about plans. Due to the ban, this is no longer possible, so students end up doing it in class instead, which is also banned!
I already doubt the value of making every student bring a laptop to school but then combining this policy with no-tech zones makes even less sense. The top floor of the library should definitely only be left for IB students. It was an invaluable space for us to work
As a Year 11, I was looking forward to having a restricted area to work in next year. Really dissappointed with these decisions that clearly were not discussed with the students.
Allowing all secondary years in the upper level of the MMC is compromising our chances at performing to the best of our abilities on the IB, for what? for younger years to get excited about climbing an extra set of stairs?
IB students require the second floor of the MMC to work. During rush hour, it is flooded with 7-11th graders playing video games. It is impossible to get anything done if you have no desk to write on.
YAA
good idea
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As a 13th grader who is putting serious effort into my studies, I no longer have any where that I can efficiently work, which is a serious issue. I feel that it is imperative that the upper floor of the MMC is returned to 12 and 13 grade only. It was a ridiculous change