For the larger portion of the fall semester, digital clocks in GHS classrooms were dysfunctional. As a result the red-glowing digital clocks previously situated in rooms have now been replaced with ticking analog clocks.  

“The motherboard system connected to the intercom and clock systems expired in 2011. That alone was an issue. However, just recently the operating fuse in the motherboard stopped working as well. Mr. Jones and Mr. Phillips ordered 20 fuses to replace the expired fuse. Every time they replaced the fuse, the fuse would blow,” said Principal Beth Murphy.  

Classrooms would display various times- none correct nor identical. In response to the dysfunction, Mr. Knight covered his clock with a sign saying “Time to work! :)”.

“They tried everything. Mr. Rehfeldt would email me in the morning saying the clocks were fixed, and then later when I arrived at the school they were incorrect,” said Murphy.

An eventual switch to analog clocks was financially aligned. “We would’ve had to call Simplex to simply look at system to see what was wrong, but the cost alone was not worth it,” said Murphy. The new analog clocks purchased were $15.29 a piece.

The latest addition to the classrooms are atomic clocks. Aligned to a radio wave frequency in Colorado, all of the analog clocks are constantly synced.The old digital clock system is no longer functional, but is still used for sirens and intercom purposes.  

The reaction from students and teachers has been mixed. “Analog clocks are not extremely practical. Growing up with digital clocks for most of my life, it takes me a few seconds longer to read the clock,” said Lillie Anderson.

Moreover, the analog clocks pose challenges to students. “Especially in the band room, I can’t read the analog clock as well as the digital clock from far away,” said Anna Hulscher. Others have mentioned issues with a recurring glare.

Teachers are more adept in adjusting to the change. “It’s something we grew up with,” said Murphy.

“I have even had kids who have reached over the counter to look at the time on my computer,” said Secretary Lynn Heller.

Lisi Ludwig