At the start of the school year at Marist High School a new rule was put in place for underclassmen. There are no phones allowed at lunch. They must remain in students’ book bags, during the lunch period. This new rule was made by the infamous and well-loved, Coach Topps.
Many are not happy about it, but MHS Media was able to interview the man behind the rule.
“It’s my rule. I think kids shouldn’t have phones in school at all because it is a distraction, but I think underclassmen need to get to know each other, and work on their social skills,” said Topps.
This new rule is only for freshmen and sophomore students and will be in place until Coach Topps retires.
“Upperclassmen should know each other by now. This will help underclassmen get to know new people and develop communication skills,” said Topps.
The controversial new rule has sparked mixed reactions from students.
“Sometimes I wish I was able to have my phone during lunch because it really is the only time in the day I am able to go on my phone, but I do notice myself talking to people at my lunch table more so I can see why we have this new rule,” said sophomore Emery Metzger.
While many do not like the rule, there have been benefits.
“A lot of people are getting to know each other more, the cafeteria has been much louder than previous years meaning people are conversing more. On Fridays when students have their phones, it is much quieter,” said Topps.
Every Friday is a “Free Phone Friday” if it is earned. To achieve this a student must go the whole week without their phone during the whole lunch period.
“I really look forward to Friday because I’m able to have my phone. It is something to look forward to during the week,” said Metzger
Another benefit of Topps’ new rule is a reduction in fights. In previous years there has been disagreements over various topics, all with the same source: phones.
“There have been fights in here with other people taking peoples’ phones, along with students who have come to me upset because someone took a picture of them. I have had none of that this year,” said Topps.
If students do not follow the rule, Topps takes the phone for the rest of the lunch period, and goes in his very own phone caddy.
The goal is to help students improve social skills for the future. So far, he believes it is working.
