Last week, Bishop Blanchet High School opened its doors to students in order to prepare for the 2024-2025 school year. Unlike past years however, there was little mention of two traditional back-to-school items on orientation day. This year, Blanchet not only decided to continue to provide students with lockers upon request instead of assigning lockers to all students; the school also ceased distributing school-issued planners. 

While some of these changes were a shock to students, many people point out that there are more effective ways to keep track of assignments and books than with planners and lockers.

“I believe the school got rid of lockers and planners because they were no longer effective.” says John Selberg, a senior at Blanchet. “Google classroom has a to-do tab, and if you have a class in room 105, but your locker is by the library, why would you keep your notebooks in there?”

While many students didn’t utilize these items, others were upset at their removal because it took away those options for many students.  “While I didn’t really use the locker or planner given to me, it was still useful to know that the option existed.” stated senior Ari Mcadam. “ It’s hard to find academic planners.”

Even though these changes were initially a shock to some, students have started the school year and found new ways to replace these once useful items.