NEDERLAND - The school year has officially started for students and teachers at Nederland Middle-Senior High School (NMSHS).

For sixth and ninth grade students, the new school year can be an intimidating change: a new building, new teachers, harder classes, and tighter schedules. Even for returning students, the new year still holds a few changes. With the retirement of many of the schools’ most beloved teachers and staff, as well as a new cell phone policy that almost entirely prohibits the use on school grounds of all phones, smart watches, and even wireless earbuds, this school year is going to be different. 

The day starts off with students finding their way to the first period where teachers explain the syllabus, norms, and other expectations. This is when students discover that this year, the school is a little bit more strict than the last. Teachers are now cracking down on a brand new tardy policy and making sure everyone knows about the phone ban.

As expected, these newly enforced rules have caused some division among students, with opinions split on whether taking away these devices is beneficial or not. 

The first two days of classes are days to adjust, for everyone to learn their new schedule, and get back into the groove of things. Students have a chance to meet new teachers, catch up with their favorites, and talk to classmates and friends they haven't seen all summer. The school is a lively and happy place, filled with chatter and buzz.

With the 2025-2026 school year, NMSHS welcomes in several new teachers and staff, including new Principal Caleb Melamed, English teacher Benjamin Roberts, music teacher Alia Brand, counselor Kaitlyn May, and other new teachers and staff, all excited to grow, learn, and be a part of the school's community.

Ben Roberts is excited to be back with students after working at Eldora Mountain Resort for several years, stating: “It's really nice to be back with folks again. It's fun to get to learn new things, and try new things.”
Señor Luis Gonzales, high school Spanish teacher and soccer coach, says: “After two months and a half, I love to come back, I love to see everyone's faces, I love to work with students, and I enjoy every second.” 

Gonzales added with his ever-present enthusiasm and encouragement for the students, “GO NED!” 

How are students handling the phone ban? One high school student believes that the ban is a pretty great idea, but it definitely comes with its downsides. “It's a fair rule, but I think we should be allowed to have them during our break times like lunch and passing periods just to check for emergencies.”

Another student has similar opinions, stating: "It's a good idea for the most part. Phones are definitely a distraction and take away from the learning space, but I do like having my phone on me. I like being able to text people, or glance at the time. I don't like how strictly enforced it is.” 

But how do teachers feel about this situation? English teacher Mr. Roberts said: “I was so much happier when I did not have a cell phone than I am now that I have one. Even at home as an adult, I find myself gravitating towards my phone, and I'm on it more than I really should be. So I think it's a good thing. 

“I wish there was a better way of doing it, but overall I think it's going to affect students positively for the most part, and I think it will increase their ability to be social, increase ability to focus, and increase students’ ability to get things done.” 

The first day ended, and many high school students headed to their first official sports practice of the fall season. NMSHS has a very high participation rate, with around 70% of all students participating in after-school extracurricular activities.

Nederland High School offers several sports, with cross country, mountain biking, boys’ soccer, and girls’ volleyball happening this fall.

For middle school students, practice doesn't start until the later weeks of August, or even September–and in some cases, October. Nederland Middle School offers many fall sports: girls' volleyball, cross country, boys’ basketball, and a returning sport, flag football. 

When August 28 rolls around, many students, middle and high school alike, will be auditioning for the 2025 student-directed fall plays. High school students have the privilege to discover or write their own one-act plays, and direct students who audition and participate in them. 

The new NMSHS school year is going to be great, as always.