"Walk, Walk Fashion Baby, Move that crazy, Walk, Walk Fashion Baby, Work it! You and me could walk to class without hazy."

This summer administrators, the leadership team and staff, along with help from some students and surveys conducted last year, discussed the idea of playing music in between classes to indicate to students that the late bell is about to ring. The idea arose when Ms. Dempsey thought it would be fun and effective. "Based on the all the iPods I see, I think it’s fair to say that kids love [the hallway] music as well," said Principal Lance Dempsey.

From Michael Jackson to Lady Gaga, these upbeat songs seem to be reducing tardies. The first 10 hall sweeps recorded from 2009 show that 457 students were tardy to class. In comparison, the first 10 hall sweeps made this year show that only 148 students were late to class. That is over three times less tardies this year.

How does it work? It is simple, the songs play for the first 4 minutes of commute and then one minute before the late bell rings. Then, the music stops which gives students ample time to get to class. "It’s just like musical chairs," says Ms. Dempsey. As the song stops, everyone tries to sit down; but in this case, students get into their seats. "It’s beneficial to students because when the song ends they realize they have one minute to get to class," said Assistant School Administrator Mr. Mathew Niper. "And they promptly go to class."

Could this be a psychological experimentation? Similar studies have been conducted; however on the productivity of workers. But, little to no evidence showed any significant effect on the workers. The only reasonable argument that is true is that music affects emotional well-being. "I love music and I believe it can have a very positive effect on people," commented Ms. Dempsey, "especially if it’s soothing and/or upbeat."

According to Mr. Niper, it is simply "just motivational." Northwest High School Psychology Teacher Mr. Joseph Swope says that in order to conduct an experiment, several schools would need to participate. Seneca Valley High School and Kingsview Middle School play classical or "elevator "music in school every day. The variables would include the diversity of students and the diversity of the songs played.

Ms. Dempsey has assigned Media Services Technician Mrs. Lilly Greenlee, Assistant School Principle Mr. John Robertson, and Mr. Niper to pick out the songs. Students can also make song recommendations to Ms. Greenlee (who is located in the media center) as long as they do not contain foul language.

There is good news for those who enjoy the music because Northwest will be keeping the songs for the next year. "I believe the teachers really like this idea as well. I hope to keep this at Northwest!" concluded Ms. Dempsey