The bell goes off at 9:22, signaling the end of second period, and students flood out of their classrooms and bustle through the hallways. Amidst the rush of students, senior Sean McGrath walks to his next class with a bowl of oatmeal in his hand.

In recent years at Pentucket, students like McGrath would typically have time to scarf down a snack or visit their locker between second and third period, during ten minute break. However, along with other schedule changes, the much-loved ten minute break has been removed from our day. “I am annoyed, outraged, infuriated,” Says McGrath.

Other students reflect McGrath’s point of view. “I was going to start a petition,” says junior, Yana Wood.

Senior Anna Gore is also “very upset…I don’t have time to go to my locker anymore.”

The lack of ten minute break can also cause problems in the classroom. Senior Dan Stiles notes “after eating breakfast during ten minute break, I was more focused in the classroom.”

This proves to be even more problematic for students that have C Lunch every day.

Even teachers would agree that there are problems with this new policy. Psych teacher, Ms. Beaton has “mixed feelings” towards the change and “feels for the students that have to wait until C Lunch to eat.” Beaton also has experienced a reduction of productivity, “I don’t have enough time to complete tasks, like making copies, in between classes, during the typical [five minute] break.”

English teacher, Dr. Bent would concur. “I miss it [ten minute break]. I don’t have time to get coffee anymore.”

The problems found with the removal of ten minute break are innumerable. Students and staff alike are facing conflicts they typically wouldn’t experience in years past. While the subject of this dissatisfaction only lasted ten minutes, the ramifications of the change will last for years to come.