Changes Coming Up Next Year at EJHS

By: Ben Wolfe 5/20/2026

The 2025-2026 EJHS school year is now coming to an end. Our 7th graders will have to step up as the “big kids,” and 6th graders will no longer be dubbed the “silly sixth graders.” Although, labels and maturing won’t be the only thing occurring here next year. But, before you get too excited, no: the SmartPass system is not changing. In all seriousness, the EJHS school system is now planning on having a band room renovation, a new cell-phone law, and a new ELA block system. So here’s what to expect in the upcoming school year.

Mike Braun signing the “bell-to-bell” bill

First of all, let’s focus on the new phone laws. As of now, this system will come into effect on July 1st, 2026. However, this band isn’t only on phones. It includes all cellular-devices, such as smart watches, tablets, iPods, E.T.C. The bill was ceremonially signed into law on May 13, 2026. Here at EJHS, people have mixed opinions about it. Mr Anspaugh, a sixth grade ELA teacher, states, “I’m all for it. I think we can go farther if we limit device usage,” he concludes. Although, on the other hand, students feel different about the topic. Henry Wolfe, a 7th grader at EJHS, states, “I think it's a little too much; chill out on phones.” Although, this is not just one student's opinion; Henry’s opinion doesn’t speak for every student around the school. For example, Will Reiter, a 6th grader at EJHS, states, “I partially agree with it. The reason I don’t agree with it, is because people still need to contact in case of emergencies, or if practice gets canceled, they need to contact their parents. The reason I do agree with it, is because a lot of students are abusive to their phones.” But, overall, just remember not to use your phone, as you could get in serious trouble!

Next, we’ll focus on the new ELA schedule. Basically, before the 25-26 school year, EJHS used a block system. This meant that classes lasted longer than periods. Although, as of this year, it has been changed to a classic period system, where there are more classes, but they are shorter. However, next year, the class system will be changed. Instead of a smaller period for an ELA class, the EJHS school building plans to extend that period to make it twice as long. This allows for kids to have better reading skills, writing skills, and extended knowledge of the units they are in. Although, this new schedule only applies to 6th graders. Mrs. Ayer, a 6th grade ELA teacher and leader of the journalism department, states, “I’m all on board for it.” She thinks that 45 minutes is not enough time to do what she needs to, and she is “super-duper excited” for it.

Kent Rentschler, the EJHS principal

The current EJHS band room

Finally: here is what to expect about the new renovation of the band room. But, to fully explain the renovation, I have to tell you a little story. For years, Mr. Koehler has experienced hearing problems, and it is all due to the school not changing the band room. See, the particular way in which it is designed, makes it so sound is easily amplified throughout the room. So, to fix this problem for Mr. Koehler, and many other larger problems with the occupied space, next year, the band room is going under a renovation. This will allow for more space, and for less hearing-loss. Mr Koehler, the EJHS band teacher, states, “Yeah, it's a great thing; we need more room!” Mr. Koehler's excitement is also reciprocated by band kids, who are very excited about it! Bentley Shaw, a 6th grade band kid who aspires to be a drummer, states “I’m thinking it's gonna be pretty cool; it’s gonna be big and open.” So, you can probably infer how important the renovation is for the community.

All in all, some important changes are coming to EJHS next year! These will affect schedules, change environments, and they are something you need to look out for. The “bell-to-bell” phone rules will change the way students get entertainment, the ELA block schedule will upset some upcoming 6th graders who hate to write, but will allow for teachers to teach what they need to, and the band room will allow for a more productive environment. So, if you are a current 6th or 7th grader, please remember this, as you will be living it next year.

Sources

Indiana Capital Chronicle

https://ejhs.rbbschools.net/our-story/administration

William Reiter

Stephanie Ayer

Riley Anspaugh

Bentley Shaw

Mrs. Koontz

Mr. True