Students of Delaware Valley Regional High School never thought that the end of the day would be the most stressful part.

Freshmen run through the halls in hopes to make the bus, while seniors sprint to their cars to beat the traffic. Not to mention, this all has to occur in under four minutes.

As of Jan. 5, 2026, a new rule was put into place by the administration stating that all buses will depart at exactly 2:30 p.m. every day.

Supervisor of Security, Safety and Student Conduct Ariel Gilbert explained that the change was made to ensure safety and consistency during dismissal.

“We wanted to have a consistent time,” Gilbert said. “It allows both transportation and the school to be on the same page. Otherwise you are always leaving at different times so students are not really aware of when the buses are supposed to leave. The goal was to provide clarity for both sides.”

According to Del Val staff, the four minute window between the final bell and bus departure is designed to encourage students to get to their assigned exits.

Students, however, say the change has added pressure to an already hectic end to the school day.

“I don’t like the time change for the bus to depart,” junior Raeesah Roberson said. “I feel really rushed, and, if I’m in D-Hall, I have to run all the way down, and it’s really crowded and kind of an inconvenience.”

Despite the mixed reactions, school officials say they have seen positive feedback from the new rule.

“The buses leave at pretty much the same time that they did,” Gilbert said. “I have not received any negative feedback other than kids running down the hall. But that’s normal for Del Val at dismissal time.”

Students at Del Val are learning that the final bell no longer signals a slow walk to the exit but a race against the clock.

“I think it’s really hard for people like me who are leaving in their cars,” senior Ariana Scurti said. “It’s hard to make it out before the buses.”