Answer:
a. The new system of taking messages have helped our response time tremendously.
Explanation:
The new <u>system</u> of taking messages <u>HAS</u> helped our response time tremendously.
The subject, system, is a singular noun, so it needs a singular verb to agree with it.
I had to confer with the principle about leaving school grounds in the middle of the day.
Greek root meaning city, but especially the people of a city. The word 'police' is related, as is 'policy' and 'polite' and 'politics'. All words to do with what people decide or find normal.
Sternly, maybe could just be grim ( formiadable, harsh, uninviting, depressing, lack of humor, etc)