Cackling donkeys, mooing cows, and a rooster’s wake-up call pollute the air. Where are you? No, not a farm—a public high school.

  Regarding the recent change in bell sounds, many students have become irritated and annoyed with their ringing. What was at first humorous, this altercation is now distracting and aggravating.

  The typical monotonous bell sound and its uniformity across hours was a noise both expected and respected. Sometimes sheep, sometimes roosters, in contrast, students are unsure what sound is next, and cannot refrain from commenting on it. Instead of hearing the bell and beginning class, moans and groans of frustration, laughter from absurdity, and remarks of its unexpectedness fill the classroom—not harmonizing with the teacher, but imperiously drowning out their instruction’s melody.

  Besides a distraction, these sounds are demeaning. Blaring “baas” whilst students exit into the hallway is insulting. The school claims to promote diversity and uniqueness, but in reality, it feels as though they are calling their students sheep as they follow one another into the overcrowded halls. Not encouraging acceptance, but directly comparing educating students to herding animals goes directly against school principles.  

  Taken directly off the “Our School” page of West’s website: “The staff at TC West is committed to creating a positive learning environment where all students are treated with dignity, honesty, respect, trust, and are encouraged to become positive contributors to their local community.” Mocking students by insinuating their likeness to sheep and other farm animals neither promotes uniqueness nor a climate that fosters dignity.

  The degrading noises may not be taken quite this seriously, but they are certainly disrespectful and oppose the recognition of individuality in the student body. Originally comical, these sounds need to be put to an end. This isn’t a barnyard—it’s a place to learn; it’s a place to grow; it’s a place of self-expression.