With this new school year, comes a new schedule! While sophomores are adjusting to the new building, juniors and seniors are also adjusting to the new bell schedule that marks the beginning and end of our 10 period day.
Along with any change comes some pros and cons, and assistant principals, Mr. Simons and Mrs. Mash, shed some light on them.
Mr. Simons states, “One of the biggest strengths of the new bell schedule is that the earlier dismissal time also gives students more flexibility in the evenings for extracurricular activities, jobs, and family responsibilities. Also, the new schedule has allowed us to have the CWCTC students at the high school for an additional period, which gives them more opportunities to take courses that support their career pathways.”
Mrs. Mash agreed with him on all points but also acknowledges that, “we lost 16-20 minutes in our combined homeroom/activity period. So the typical things that were taking place during period one are feeling a bit of a crunch for time. I think we have to think differently on how we do things. Perhaps using technology to post videos or information for clubs, other extracurricular activities, and academic support in combination with in-person time.” This loss of time at the start of the day has been the hardest adjustment for students who want to participate in many clubs and extracurricular activities but can’t seem to find the time to manage them with studies.
Mash reflects on our previous schedule saying, “we had one of the longest student day schedules in the area, and now we are dismissed 15 minutes earlier [putting us in line with other districts in the area]. In the bigger picture, once the bus routes have been practiced and sorted out, our elementary students will get home a lot earlier than in the past.”
Students also shared their opinions on the new schedule and how they are adjusting to it quickly building a pro/con list:
PROS
- Seems like the day goes faster
- Getting to go home earlier
- CWCTC kids get an extra period at the high school
- Elementary students get home earlier
- Have more flexibility after school for extracurricular activities
CONS
- The classes end at odd times
- Shorter activity period
- Jam packed busses with later arrival times
- Busses don’t arrive home on time
- It’s confusing right now to switch our mindset from the schedule we were used to
While it is typical to need an adjustment period when it comes to change, many of the cons will be worked out as the year progresses. Nothing is 100% perfect, and hopefully, small changes will be made to rectify any bugs that continue to exist.
For now, students and staff work to adjust to the new schedule with time with hopes that concerns would be resolved and the benefits be celebrated.
