With the new schedule officially in effect, the student body is feeling the effects of five periods, more frequent class meetings, and fewer breaks.
Instead of four 75-minute class blocks with ASB after the first class, students this year have five shorter periods with ASB at the end of the day. While this gives students more meetings with teachers, it may affect day-to-day energy levels.
Sixth former Patrick Reno feels differently about the new schedule.
“I feel more drained at the end of the day with this new schedule compared to the old one,” Sixth Fomrer Patrick Reno said.
Reno also pointed out the effects of the new academic support block (ASB) system. Previously, ASB was an opportunity to work on homework due that day if a student wasn’t able to complete homework the day before. ASB provided the opportunity, as well as serving as a chance for students to grab a snack or breakfast from the café. Now, the absence of such a period may feel jarring.
“My amount of homework feels like it has increased a good amount.”
Patrick Reno ’27
“Without that nice break between first and second period, I feel like overall energy has gone down during the morning,” Reno said.
Some students feel that the new schedule has affected the amount of homework they receive. Having one class three days in a row—and the first three classes of one day repeated as the last three of the next—can be challenging, especially if you have a class where heavy reading is required, such as English or history. Grinding through three ten-page readings three nights in a row can be draining.
“My amount of homework feels like it has increased a good amount,” Reno said, “which becomes a hassle if you are doing three long readings a night.”
Teachers have also adjusted their approach to their courses and the way they assign work. History teacher Mr. Brian Long has said the schedule has given him more opportunities to build deeper bonds with students, and he views the schedule as an overall good thing.
“I’m covering more material because I’m seeing my students more frequently,” Mr. Long said.
“I think this new schedule is a net positive for the students and faculty”
Mr. Brian long
While some students already view the schedule change negatively, due to increased class meetings, Mr. Long believes not enough time has passed to evaluate the new schedule.
“It is probably too early to make a call on whether my students are struggling to meet deadlines in the new schedule,” Mr. Long said. “I think this new schedule is a net positive for the students and faculty… Seeing our students more leads to deeper learning and stronger relationships.”
You must be logged in to post a comment.