As the year has dragged on and on, something has come to tear me apart more and more each day. When this school year began, all students were aware of the state-mandated Minute of Silence. What we were not aware of however was the faculty-imposed Minute of Stillness. Nearly all of the 567 students of Mason high have most likely been caught in the corridor at least once this year as Principal R.W. Snee commenced the minute. As these belated slackers make their ways swift in an effort to be only a few seconds late to class, many a staff member step to the plate and go for the kill. 

The walkie-talkie crackles. "Cccrrrkkkkk… straggler, code red…. ccrrrcckk… sector 7," barks the dispatcher.

"10-4… crrcck… I have a visual. Swarm! Swarm! Swarm!" replies a goonie in the science wing.

Mayhaps this is a slight exaggeration, but nevertheless, it has become increasingly out of control. The manner in which these teachers strike down these wee laggards is bordering on outlandish. 

When the Virginia State government conceived this muting-moment, I cannot imagine that they were envisaging anything but silence. Prayer is not required, nor is meditation. Any activity is permitted, so long as it does not disturb the moment for others. We are only required to remain silent. So why then, I ask you, are we forced to remain motionless in the hallway?! As long as we are quiet about making our way to class, why should faculty members be allowed to hinder our progress?

Maybe it is merely the teachers on a power trip thinking that l’il Timmy’s new-age, gel-bubbled Nikes will make too much noise as he hurries to class. Or perhaps it is all a conspiracy - the brainchild of the Mason attendance and/or discipline staff in an effort to make more children late and thus, more ample victims for Saturday school sentences. (Not unlike cops trying to make their speeding-ticket quotas at the end of the month. Maybe the more late-passes that are written, the larger a bonus is received.)

Woa there Mr. Miller, don’t you think you’re getting a bit out of hand? Let’s tone it down a bit.

Okay, okay… you’re right, Mr. Snee. Maybe I got a little off my rocker back there. But the fact of the matter remains. From 7:45 to 7:46, teachers and students alike are supposed to be quiet. No where was it stated or intended for us to stop moving, either in the classroom or out of it. Snee himself is not even aware of these staff hallway-halters. In fact, the Minute of Silence was only meant for silence in the classroom, not in the hallway. I for one believe that silence should be observed all throughout the building, but I do not believe that stillness should be induced. It is both absurd and preposterous. So join me in my quest brethren. The next time some overbearing faculty member obstructs you in the hallway, ignore the order and continue – silently – on your way to class. Learning is what is important here, not being still. 

That’s my two cents. I’m out. Much love y’all.