WINTER 2020
LIVING THE MAGIS: SCHEDULE ENHANCEMENT BENEFITS STUDENTS Bernhard Walke, Associate Principal Cristo Rey Jesuit High School introduced me to the term “Magis” as a young, idealistic, and passionate 25-year-old English teacher. In Jesuit circles, Magis can be translated as the “more” or “greater” and especially for the greater glory of God. As a young teacher, I interpreted this as, “I need to do more, take on more responsibility, and work harder.” After starting a new job in a growing school, helping found the Cross-Country team, organizing various camping and service trips, and finally completing a master’s degree, I was spent. Reflecting on my first few years at Cristo Rey, I certainly was doing more, but was this Magis? Last year, the Scheduling Committee explored how the student experience could remain challenging while becoming more supportive. Instead of implementing more programming or structure, the committee proposed the opposite: more unstructured time. The Magis period was born.
This fall, we surveyed our student body about Magis period. Here are some typical candid responses:
In its simplest terms, Magis period is daily unstructured time that amounts to approximately three hours per week. Students have the option to visit a teacher for tutoring, decompress in the counseling office, play instruments in the music room, enjoy the silence and focus that the library offers, play a quick game of basketball in the gym, or socialize with friends in the cafeteria. By creating more free time for students, rather than more programming, stress levels have decreased and academic performance and general happiness have increased.
“ There is a lot of positivity that one can see in Magis, whether it is people playing basketball or having a laugh with your friends.”
“ It helps me be less stressed and socialize since normally I can be awkward. Sometimes, it just helps me do homework.”
“ I did more work then I would’ve at home because I didn’t have my phone and my sister wasn’t bothering me every five minutes.” “ I personally believe that the Magis schedule is amazing and very beneficial. The whole week I always saw my peers working and using their time wisely.” This change to the daily schedule, our first in 16 years, gives students a newfound independence and gives our community the space to find the greater good.
FOLLOW CRISTO REY See the great works of Cristo Rey as they happen on social media and continue to visit www.cristorey.net. If you would like to join our e-newsletter mailing list, send an email to info@cristorey.net. Facebook: crjhs Facebook Alumni: cristeros Instagram @cristoreychi LinkedIn: cristo-rey-chicago T H E WOR KS OF C R I STO R E Y J E S U I T H I G H S C H O OL