Opinion: Classroom Chaos

The stench of spoiled milk hits your nose. There are childish drawings scribbled with thick, bold markers sprawled across the wall. The back corner of the room is a paradise for ants, with leftover muffins and an unknown sticky residue left on the table. Not only that, when you sit down and look up, someone has drawn a pizza inside the clock. Classroom 507 has descended into chaos after the absence of their sophomore English teacher, Aaron Dennis.

Since October, students have had countless substitutes and received little guidance, leaving them restless and independent. “Some dudes were vaping the entire time, and I saw something molding for two months in a drawer,” claimed sophomore Derek Huang.

Other students have expressed their concerns about how the class is run. “The class is pretty confusing. We kinda just do our own thing because the classwork assigned to us is relatively easy and just busy work. Overall, the class is kinda annoying because there’s nothing ever set in stone. I liked it better when Mr. Dennis was here cause we actually had stuff to do,” said sophomore Aleksandr Robuchon.

Sophomore James Masculine agreed, frustrated by the lack of structure. “I dislike that we have had so many subs, and that they can’t just get like one person,” said Masculine.

Students are assigned work to keep them busy, rather than improving their English skills and preparing them for next year’s English class. The chaotic nature of the classroom is detrimental to students, leading to students feeling anxious and frustrated. 

“The classwork isn’t improving my writing skills, and the classroom is filthy and a mess—even with subs. The subs don’t really care about the students and have little to no involvement. I usually just do the busy work Ms. K assigns every day. All of this has made me feel very behind other students in my grade. I don’t feel properly prepared for next year,” stated sophomore Karen Chen.

This is not Dennis’s first sudden departure. In fact, two years ago, Dennis was temporarily suspended. However, Dennis has been gone for far longer than the last time, with no clear answer from the administration on when or if he is returning.

If the students are provided a consistent and passionate substitute for Dennis, their discontent could be alleviated. However, the months spent doing busy work rather than engaging and challenging work is a setback for students’ English proficiency. Along with that, students have had to work in an unsanitary and chaotic classroom that can be disruptive to learning.

“It stinks to be in the classroom, both literally and metaphorically,” said Chen.