For the past couple of years, Bulldog Block at CHS was a time for students to grab a snack, check in with a teacher, or move freely around the building. But this fall, the new Minga app is changing that routine, and while most teachers enjoy the new calmness of the hallways, some students don’t seem to agree.
“Not being able to leave the classroom on short notice has caused a lot of problems, difficulties, and inconveniences,” Tessa Gerstler (‘28) said. “If I’m working on math homework but I’m not in my math teacher’s classroom, I can’t leave and go ask my question unless I schedule it ahead of time.”
These changes mean students can only leave their Bulldog Block if they’ve pre-registered for a meeting or activity through Minga. Only four bulldog blocks have taken place, and already the new system is causing obstacles for several students.
“Hearing the new rules, it was a little confusing, and it was definitely a big change from what we were used to last year,” Landry Cook (‘28) said. “For example, I had to get a Minga pass to go to the library, then the librarian wanted to send me somewhere else, so I had to go back and get another pass. Then I had to go to the bathroom, and I had to get another hall pass for that.”
While frustrations and difficulties are happening, some students seem to agree with the new system and see the potential benefits of structure.
“I was a little surprised, but I think the changes are overall gonna be good for our school,” Ella Gietzen (‘28) said. “Last year, Bulldog Block was really messy with a bunch of people just going everywhere.”
That “messiness” is exactly what administrators are trying to fix. And even though most students feel more restricted, that seems to be the opposite of the goals of CHS staff. According to Mr. Morris, the new system was designed to give students more organized choices, not fewer.
“Students can still leave the classroom. There’s just structure now,” Jason Morris, Dean of Students, said. “In the past, we had way too many people freely roaming the hall. Teachers were frustrated because they didn’t know when kids were leaving or showing up.”
These new activities during Bulldog Block are now being offered, and staff and students seem to be very intrigued as to what activities will be offered. As teachers and staff begin to post a variety of Bulldog Block activities, it will give students more opportunities to utilize Bulldog Block fully.
“Teachers are getting in [Minga] and putting their activities and scheduling them so you guys have options,” Morris said. “Mrs. Roberts did a band practice session, Mrs. Fillion organized a buddy day with Independence Hall, and we’ll have NHS or student council meetings. If you need a biology review or an English test study session, those can all be scheduled, too.”
Morris emphasized that the system isn’t meant to limit students, but to make Bulldog Block more purposeful once students and teachers adjust to this new change.
“We’ll have study sessions, practices, and even extra workouts,” Morris said. “That’s when we’ll really see the benefits of it.”
