Students Call for Change: Extension Policy, Break Block, and Chapel Talks

Is it time for Middlesex to rethink its rules and routines?

Bea Gareau ‘26

Middlesex should change their extension policy, especially given the discrepancies between different teacher’s allowances for extensions. The handbook states that one may be allotted an extension should there be three assessments scheduled for the same day. However, teacher’s application of this rule is utterly inconsistent, as many teachers allow for extensions under a variety of other circumstances. The issue arises in the fact that not all teachers possess the same leniency as others, leading to significant frustration when a student is denied extensions due to not meeting the requirements for MX’s firmly written, yet not so firmly applied, policy. In my opinion, there is no absolute qualifier for stress. Three tests in one day is undoubtedly a legitimate cause, but so are multiple essays, projects, quizzes, and extracurricular activities. It is unreasonable to allow teachers to reject an extension request simply because the student does not have three tests on the same day because, at MX, tests are only a fraction of the causes for students’ stress. My proposed change would be updating the policy to simply “reasonable cause” to merit for an extension. I believe this adjustment would encourage students to ask more frequently for an extension, as many newer students are not aware how lenient teachers can be with their extension policy. Additionally, it would allow students to justify their reasoning without being strictly shut down, leading to more open and productive conversations with teachers. I believe this new policy would improve the current protocol that encourages all-nighters and discourages self-advocacy.

Stella Mourtzinos ‘26

Middlesex school needs to get rid of the Monday break block. The 15 minute block offers nothing to the students. It is not enough time to get any homework done or meet with a teacher. Instead, students just procrastinate for their next class. The block only serves to get students out of class 15 minutes later, taking away time that could be more useful after practice. There is no need to replace the 15 minute break block with something else like an announcement or meeting block. It would be easiest to either get rid of it or take 15 minutes from the end of day Senate block and combine it with the break block, thus moving senate to Monday morning, allowing students to then have more time after class to go to the trainers or grab a quick snack at the dining hall. This change would eliminate anxiety from students’ lives and give them an extra moment to wind down. 

Avery Green ‘26

The beloved Middlesex tradition of Senior Chapel Talks provides the school community with valuable wisdom and insight, serving as an important milestone for seniors. However, only certain lucky seniors have the privilege of sharing their message with the school. In certain years, seniors are reluctant to apply for chapels and thus, most seniors who wish for a chapel get one. However, in other years (like this one), numerous seniors are left disappointed and without the opportunity to share their story. Given that the Chapel lottery is entirely random, it is unfortunate and potentially even unfair when certain seniors with particularly unique and resonant messages are left off the lineup. Middlesex is a school that encourages students to share their voices and grow into confident leaders, so what message are we sending by rejecting heartfelt Chapel applications from seniors trying to do just this?

With the tight Middlesex schedule, there is not a clear solution to this problem. However, Monday Break Block has become an awkward fifteen minute time period during which no one actually gets any work done. Rather, people simply stall waiting for their next commitment. This would be the perfect time for a gathering in the Chapel during which we hear from those seniors who otherwise would not have that chance. Ms. Smedley would continue to speak on Wednesdays, and Monday would be a time exclusively for senior addresses. A potential objection to this proposal is that students enjoy the fifteen minutes of free time. However, students genuinely look forward to hearing weekly from their senior peers, and the school community would benefit greatly from making space for everyone’s story. 

image by: Moran Liu '26