Hear That Bell? Hey, It’s a Mario!

As students begin the new 2025-2026 school year, an unfamiliar ring echoes down the school’s hallways. As classes start, a fresh bell sound replaces the newly nostalgic bell many students were accustomed to.

The new bell system comes with a variety of modifications. The most notable change is the main bell’s tone. In the place of the traditional bell ring, a more jarring monotonic beep signals the start of school periods. Accompanying the main bell, the favored minute bell signals with a playful Mario sound. The contrasting urgency and amusement senses allow the new school bell to add a touch of variety and fun to the school day. As the bell rings, many begin to wonder, what inspired the new change, and how are students and faculty reacting to it?

The old school bell was expressed to be needed of a change, but what was the cause? Principal Di Meola states, “Well, to be honest, I really just didn’t love the old tones. There was just something about the tone that made me cringe.” The change of the bell was also inspired to express a bit of fun within the school. She also states, “I like to have a little fun, so changing up the minute bell in particular gave the school an opportunity to engage in a bit of tomfoolery.”

What do you think about the new bell sound? Is there a specific part you like? Are there any flaws? “I absolutely LOVE the Mario minute bell. The staff actually voted (they had several options) and this is what they selected. I love that it’s fun but also has a sense of urgency to it. The flaws would likely be on the main bell tone,” said Principal Di Meola.

What do you think the new bell might represent in the school culture? “I would hope that the new bells, especially the minute bell, showcase the culture of enjoying school and having a bit of fun. Greenway is a fun place to be full of a campus that enjoys being here and is proud to be a Demon. My hope is that changing the bell tones reflects that mentality.”

Junior Kylla Horlacher expresses mixed opinions about the new bell. “The minute bell is nice, but the main bell is unpleasant. The main bell’s ringing is what throws it off. It’s a bit too loud and the tone of it can be dreadful. However, the minute bell is fun and is much more tolerable.”

Junior Kalle Bou mentions, “I think the new bell is an exciting way to get to class. It can be seen as a trigger for adrenaline. The bell provides a sense of urgency and is also amusing. The new school bell represents a sense of fun within Greenway.”

Sophomore Courtney Brand states, “I don’t like the new main bell, because I miss the actual ring instead of a beep. Although, I like the minute bell as it creates a sense of determination to get to class.”

Sophomore Chelsea Phoewanchana says, “I think the old bell was better, as the new main bell can be seen as anxiety inducing from the tone and an unnecessary change. However, the minute bell is alright.”

As students and faculty get used to the bell, the sound of the school bell rings up a new era at Greenway Highschool.