From Fontbonne’s cozy study booths to Clement Crossing’s comfortable seating, Mount students are embracing the new spaces and policies this year, but some are still adjusting to the stricter hall pass rules.
“I’m pumped! I think it’s off to a great start and everybody is very positive and energetic, and that makes me very positive and energetic so I am excited,” Ms. Beren said.
“Sports are a big part of my life and it’s the thing I enjoy doing most, but keeping everything in line with all the things that come with senior year is all about balance. I always make sure to try and plan out what I need to get done every week by writing it down in a planner and continuously checking to make sure I’m staying on top of things,” said Jewel Schaefer ‘25.
Madison Press ‘26 feels that as the school year goes on, it gets easier to adapt to but, she is still navigating her way through some adjustments such as, “…my sleep schedule is still messed up because I could sleep more in the summer and I don’t have as much free time after school with practice and homework.”
“Obviously I understand that there is a price increase because of inflation and the price of food probably has gone up for suppliers to get them, but I mean I do think it’s kind of ridiculous that we’re paying I think it’s like 5 or 7 dollars for chicken tenders” Gabriella Balaratna ‘26 said.
Chicken nuggets are currently $5 and chicken tenders are $6.25.
“Overall, every year, we are supposed to do a price increase based on inflation, some stuff went up, and some stuff didn’t change at all. Drinks, snacks, stuff like that, we didn’t really change the price of it, because the price didn’t really change in the market.” Chef Jess Borkosky said.
For example, the market price of a 40 lb. pack of chicken went from $79 to $105.
Chef Jess noted that Culinart must cover the price of items, plus the labor that goes into them. Things like running the Magic Shoppe, stocking the products, having a cashier, and making fruit cups etc. all factor into the labor costs.
“The bathroom passes are a good way to tell who is in and out of the bathroom at a time,” Tess Hankins ’27 said.
“Dr. Mallen’s passes are very unique because they are figurines instead of actual lanyards,” Violet Binczewski 26’ said.
Some students like Sarah Deitch ‘26 expressed that the hall pass can be “unsanitary because people take them into stalls.”
“My favorite part about Clement’s Crossing is the chairs because they are super comfortable,” Jaiel Cole ‘27 said.
“This area makes it easier to do group projects. Cause everyone can see the screen at one time,” Katie Duffy ‘27 said.
“I’m taking Biology, Honors Chem 2, Honors Brit Lit, and then I have a Study Hall. It’s super stressful, but the classes are interesting so we’ll see how it goes!” Olivia Courchain ‘26 said.
“Because I am an alumna, it has been a real homecoming for me! After being a student here years ago and then going out into the world, I was able to pursue my career in education. With so many experiences in teaching, my return to the Mount is really special to me as I work with the Mount community in my role as Executive Director of Mission and Inclusion,” Ms. Nikki West ’87, Executive Director of Mission and Inclusion, said.
