Spartan Administration introduces a musical addition to the traditional day in hopes of getting students to class on time.
TJ-DJ Wauneta Vann lays down the tracks she hopes will motivate students to be on time. Photo by Heather Larson.
Since Friday April 23, students and teachers have been jamming out to music pumping through the speakers during passing periods. This new addition to the typical Spartan school day is one which TJ Teacher Wauneta Vann – the brains behind the idea – believes will be a great asset to students, encouraging a speedy arrival to class and also creating a much more cheerful hallway ambiance. “Our hope is that this will create more of a flow to the passing periods and make it easier for the students to know when the five minutes is up. As the song ends, students should be in class or nearly there.”
Vann’s plan is to play popular music during passing periods – between the bells – to remind students that it’s time to head to class, rather than lingering in the hallways and arriving late, which causes a disruption to the education process for everyone involved.
As for this new TJ tradition, it seems to be getting very positive feedback from both students and teachers. Social Studies Teacher Cheryl Johnson says that she likes the music, but that it needs to be more upbeat.
Computer Magnet Teacher, and Spartan Alumni Grant Laman – a connoisseur of all things ’80s – says its the best idea since leg warmers. “I love seeing people lip-sync as they walk to class. I have definitely seen more smiles in the hallway. Personally, I can’t wait to hear some New Edition!”
As for most students, they too like the idea and the concept of the music, they just believe it needs to be a bit more modern. Junior Richard VanZetten says that he believes it helps him get to class on time, but that the music needs to be more varied. “I want to hear my music, some rock music,” he said.
Sophomore Logan Kimbrell couldn’t agree more, saying he wants to hear Ozzy Osbourne’s Crazytrain.
While some students want to hear more rock music being played, many others would really enjoy hearing some hip-hop and rap, saying that would motivate them to get to class before the bell. “The music just needs to be more modern…stuff that we all know,” said sophomore Becca Randall.
This new addition to the regular school day seems to be getting good feedback, and Vann is hoping this will become a real part of TJ, and she says she is willing to provide a great variety of music for the school to enjoy. “Students can always come and request what they would like to hear. Just come talk to me in room five, and as long as it’s school appropriate I will be happy to play it.”
