Steven Hong
“It’s largely a mental game. If you go in believing you’ll make it out, it makes it easier,” junior Erin Ortiz said.
This past monday, September 22nd, marks the end of summer and the start of fall for North America. But to the dismay of many students and faculty members at MC, the transition between summer and winter won’t be a smooth one.
“In an attempt to raise test scores and increase focus in students, we have decided to lower the average temperature of our classrooms,” principal Craig Mango said. “Anyone in the teaching field knows that there is a very strong correlation between rising temperatures and dozing students.”
Whether or not Mango’s experiment works, many feel that administration is taking things too far.
“I’m surprised there hasn’t been a lawsuit yet. Fighting hypothermia is a daily threat for the students,” concerned parent Mary Evans said.
Despite objections from administration, teachers have been helping students get through these rough times.
“I usually offer hot beverages in the back on especially cold days,” teacher Scott Coolie said. “In addition, blankets are usually available around the classroom.”
Outsiders to MC may see Coolie’s efforts as over-the-top, but to the native Sundevils, Coolie is a sort of hero: a beacon of hope in times of despair.
“Besides Mr Coolie’s class, I also find Ms. Broon’s class bearable. She employs something called the huddle-and-rotate method,” senior Matt Barnes said.
In an effort to keep warm, students huddle around each other as the magnificent emperor penguins do. Every seven and a half minutes, students toward the outside of the huddle rotate towards the center while those on the inside take several steps outward.
“It’s quite impressive really,” Barnes said. “We are able to stay relatively warm while still learning math. As Ms. Broons would say, ‘It’s mathemagic’”.
With the combined efforts of caring staff and parents, students have been trudging through this faux winter. But morale is at an all time low.
“Please, I’m begging you [administration]. End this artificial winter,” sophomore Janice Olson said. “We’ll do whatever it takes to stay awake. I have a staple gun at home if you want me to staple my eyes open. Just, please, no more.”
