Transition in the hallway is like traffic in New York City. Students at BGJHS in the hallways are being pushy and loud in the hallway because they can.
Students have many perspectives about hallway transitions: 8th graders Anthony Davis and Aiden Ellis Griffin. First, Anthony’s view of the students in the hallway was that “they are loud, and they push and shove.” Aiden had a similar perspective because he said, “I don’t like the hallways because the kids push and shove.”
Anthony and Aiden would want to make some changes to the hallway rules. Aiden said, “Yes, I think the hallway rules should change to where all 3 grades change classes at different times.” Anthony also said, “A couple of changes could make the hallway better. To make different grades switch classes at different times.”
We asked the assistant principal, Mr. Pniewski, to help us in this part. He normally stands out in the hallway and tells kids to walk on the right side of the hallway or to stop fighting each other. “During transitions, I typically stand up at the auditorium reminding students to stay to the right, keep moving, and not mess around with people. Put phones and earbuds away because they’re not supposed to have those out. Just try to get the flow and you now get students to class on time.” He has been monitoring hallways and explained, “I think the structure is adequate. The problem is this is a building meant for 600 students and we have 900 students so it gets crowded easily so we have to modify what we do.”
Mr. Pniewski told us that the hall rules are fine but the students should change a bit. First, he said, “I’m fine with the way the hallway rules are right now. I don’t have any problems with them.” But he also said, “If people would just do what they’re supposed to be doing and not stop, it would flow a lot smoother and stop messing with each other.” Also, people have done this to mess with the hallway: “It’s when other people are trying to walk around them, and that just makes a big clog and people can’t go where they’re supposed to be going.”
That’s how hallway transitions have similarities to rush hour traffic in New York City.