Time Flies

Time

Flies

By Gretchen Drews, Opinion Editor

It’s been a month since school has started and we’re officially back to our regular seven-period day schedule. You know, that thing we were doing before a global pandemic started? You’re probably tired of hearing about it though or maybe you’re like me and even more tired of this exhausting and fast-paced schedule. One reason I dislike the seven-period schedule that I think everyone can agree upon is that we can no longer enjoy that extra half hour of sleep we used to get in the morning. If you’re someone like me who takes forever to get out the door, it’s really no fun having to wake up at 6 or 7 in the morning only to have to deal with a major traffic problem (which is an entirely separate topic). When I eventually get to school, I’m usually ready to go. For my first period, I have painting which is a great way to wake up. The class is so relaxing, but by the time I get out all my paints and brushes and paper it’s already almost time to pack up. Every class goes by so fast, almost too fast. As someone who has to “get in the zone” to finish assignments or projects, I find it frustrating that once I become focused on something, the bell interrupts and then I’m off to the next class. These quick changes not only mess up the flow of the class for me, but for most of my teachers as well as. They always seem to be cut off by the bell. Because of this, I think a lot of students—including myself— feel like our questions are left unanswered. Since we have seven periods on Monday, Thursday and Friday and block scheduling on Wednesday and Thursday, we’re all constantly switching gears.

The difficulties and stress of the new seven period days have students wishing for a simpler schedule.

This not only happens from period to period but from day to day as well. I already made the mistake of waking up a few hours too early because I forgot we still had a late start on Wednesdays. This whole schedule is overcomplicated for no reason. The block schedule of last year was so perfect. Each day I was able to complete the tasks in my planner, but I wasn’t overwhelmed. In fact, I felt the opposite because of the reprieve from certain classes with the block days. The block schedule was amazing considering the fact teachers were able to teach one or two lessons in one class period while also giving an adequate amount of time for work or any additional questions students might have on homework or notes. Block scheduling helped to improve both my grades and mental health without having to pick one over the other. The block schedule allowed me to have more time to not just study and worry about if I’ll pass the next test, but to actually learn and gain something from my classes. I know not all students share this opinion, so for that reason, I propose the school board takes a student survey at the end of this year to gain a better understanding of student opinion. No matter the results, the school should always consider making changes to the school’s schedule for students and teachers if it will create a better school life and environment.

“The old block schedule made the rest of the week go by so much faster.” - Abby Martin, 12

“I get more time to do my homework, and my tests are more spread out.” - Ava DeCamp, 12

“[During seven period days] I enter a class, get assignments and leave before I get anything done. I’m just running around all day.” - Eli Huber, 12

“It’s been a really difficult adjustment for a lot of people. For me, I’d prefer we did either all block or none at all.” - Audrey Eskonen, 12

art by Brooklyn Brown