With the first quarter for the 2023-2024 school year ending, we wanted to present a recap of the “happenings” in the first nine weeks of school.
Thursday August 10th was the first day of school for Bethany Christian students. The first day can be nerve wracking for some and exciting for others. The first few days of school can determine a lot; friendships, schedules, favorite teachers, and more. Now that students have had a full week of school under their belts, let’s hear what the highschoolers have to say about the start of the year!
When asked about their highlight of the first week, students talked about getting to see their friends, new freedom, following a schedule again, meeting new people, and getting to know new teachers. Senior Mariah Stolzfus enjoyed when her classmate, Kevin Gonzales, became the senior representative for the highschool rock paper scissors competition. “He didn’t even want to, but he just kept winning!”
At Bethany, it is a tradition that on the first day of school students participate in two competitions at the end of the day before enjoying an ice cream treat. The first competition is a giant game of rock paper scissors. Students play rock paper scissors (best out of 3) with someone in their grade. Whoever loses becomes a cheerleader for the winner. This continues until there is one champion from each grade. A semi-final determines the competitors for the final faceoff. All that’s left is an underclassman and an upperclassmen with their respective peers chanting and hyping them up for the most intense rock paper scissors battle they will ever play. The winner is awarded with a trophy topped with a rock, piece of paper, and a pair of scissors. This year the winner was sophomore Jenny Rios. The second competition is a game of knockout. Same as the first competition, each grade plays the game until they have one representative. Then there is a four person game of knock out until there is only one student left. The winner for knockout was senior Tyson Chupp. Students said they had a lot of fun during these activities not just because of the actual games, but because it gave them a chance to talk with classmates. This tradition is the first of the year where students connect as a grade. There are many times throughout the year at Bethany when it is important for students to have good relationships with the people in their grades. Events like day away, service day, fish fry, homecoming parades, and prom are all examples, but even on the day to day for classes, advisory, chapel, recess, and more. This tradition may seem silly at first but it is one of the first chances students get to work on these important relationships.
For Bethany high schoolers a good schedule is a balanced one. All of the students interviewed who had balanced schedules said they liked it. The students who did not like their schedules were the ones who described theirs as unbalanced. At BCS we use a block schedule. On Mondays students have all of their classes (1-8) but have shorter 40ish minute periods. On Tuesdays and Thursdays students have their odd classes (1,3,5,7), but with longer, 80 minute periods. The same goes for Wednesday and Friday but with the even classes (2,4,6,8). A balanced schedule is described as having 2 easy and 2 hard classes each day. For students like Junior Karlee Crume this can look like having 2 harder classes each day but also having a study hall and a fun class.
A big change for all Bethany highschoolers this year is the new emphasize on our phone policy that was implemented. The rule is that phones should not be visible at all during class unless a student has special permission or if a teacher says it is allowed for an activity; however, phones can still be used in the hallways before school and during breaks. Phones and other technology are not allowed in the cafeteria or chapel. Karlee says there are good and bad things about the rule. “I kind of enjoy it for some reasons because we can talk to people more, but it’s also like sometimes you need a break from people and your phone is a way to do that, but I understand what the teachers are trying to do.” For more information and insight on the phone policy: Technology at Bethany.
Each grade had their own thoughts on changes that have been significant. For the Freshman, the difference between middle and high school has been the biggest change. Freshman Olivia Mast and Silas Martin said there is a lot more freedom but also responsibility. The Juniors noted that getting a lounge this year has been a positive change and has brought the grade together. The Seniors felt that not having a grade above them to rely on has been weird. Mariah said a big thing for her is that, “there’s expectations for us to be leaders in the school so you kind of have to hold yourself accountable and hold everyone else accountable.”
Across all the grades, goals for students included staying on top of school work, talking to new people, working on and getting better at new skills, and becoming more confident.
More than three-fourths of Bethany students participate in at least one sport, so it is no surprise that when asked about what they are looking forward to this year most students mentioned athletics. Seniors Mariah Stoltzus and Tristan Mast said they were excited about attending sports events. Karlee Crume talked about looking forward to basketball season. “I know school is important, but to me basketball is important. This season is going to be really fun! KP as a coach is really great because she helps us focus on not only the sport but also school work. She keeps us in line. I really enjoy basketball; it’s just my thing.” Sporting events can be a lot of fun for all grades and can be a bridge between students, alumni, family, and the community as a whole. Although the student section is open to everyone, here is a word of advice from Mariah and Tristan: “At sporting events seniors get the front row, so if you’re a freshman, no disrespect but you gotta get back” says Mariah.
“No, if you’re anything under a senior, you gotta get back” corrects Tristan.
Mariah adds, “Especially if you’re a middle schooler. Honestly, I don’t know why you argue with us. Don’t be walking in there giving us attitude. Seniors get priority.” In the student section, the golden rule is seniority.
The upperclassmen had very insightful advice to give. No matter what grade you are in this advice can be helpful but freshman especially, listen up!
Junior Maddie Lehman said, “Work hard but don’t let that get in the way of having fun and talking to people.”
Junior Sofia Johar said, “Good luck! Turn your stuff in, don’t let missed assignments pile up cause you’ll be way more stressed than if you just get them in on time.”
Junior Karlee Crume said, “Take a deep breath, take it slow, and have fun! Don’t forget there’s people that can help you.”
Senior Mariah Stoltzfus said, “Don’t think you’re gonna read Michael Yeakey’s english books the day before school starts. Renae’s math home work, you gotta do it, cause if you don’t do it you either are not gonna be able to retest or you’re not gonna know whats going on in the class and then if you dont know whats going on in the class you’re screwed.”
Senior Tristan Mast said, “Just don’t be disrespectful.”
“I feel like the students are starting off the year in a wonderful place” says principle Hank Willems. He commended students for being on time, focused, and cooperative. “Sometimes we forget how lucky we are with the students we get to work with.” Hank described his time at other schools as a battle but observed that at Bethany everyone works together. Hank is really onto something. The students at Bethany truly are exceptional!