Students and staff rate schedule change at EIS

This school year at Edison Intermediate School (EIS), the schedule is different. There used to be nine periods in the same order every day, but now the morning periods ( 1, 2, 3), lunch periods ( 4, 5, 6), and afternoon periods (7, 8, 9) rotate by week. There are three weeks: A, B, and C. Once students and teachers experienced this new schedule, some decided that they liked it for multiple reasons. However, others do not.

For instance, students appreciate this unique schedule because rotating periods offer more variety. “I kind of like it. It’s not the same thing every day,” Amanda Ortiz, an eighth grader, remarked.

Additionally, numerous faculty members this year have enjoyed this schedule and would like it to continue next year. “I generally am fine with it going in the same order every day, but I do like some variety. Now that we changed it, it should be the same next year,” Ms. Helen Frees, art teacher, explained.

Notably, other schools that changed their schedules have been receiving positive results so far. “Evidence also exists that in-school suspensions decline, that teacher and student attendance improves slightly, and… the number of class tardies is reduced” (AASA).

On the other hand, some students who transitioned into middle school this year find the rotating schedule challenging to remember. “I feel like I’m not very used to it. I guess I wish we had the old schedule,” Sarah Mehovic, a sixth grader, voiced.

In fact, many teachers are also facing complications with this schedule. Since periods vary by week, they may have many classes back-to-back with no break in between. This can be very tiring and strenuous for them. “I don’t mind it because I don’t have a week where I have four or five [classes] in a row, but other teachers do,” Mr. Robert Maver, social studies teacher, admitted.

Furthermore, a study hall was added twice a week for sixth and seventh-grade students. While they are in an elective like physical education or health, they can go to a study hall classroom and use the period to complete their schoolwork. However, some students have been abusing this opportunity. “Every student could use school time to get work done so they have more time at home. I do think it’s a shame if kids aren’t using it the right way,” Mrs. Christine Cabrales, physical education teacher, remarked.

Moreover, administrators may believe that this year’s schedule complicates students’ everyday regimen and clashes with important events. “The cons will be the difficulty many have to establish firm routines and trying to figure out logistics for other schedules (testing, assemblies, advisory, etc),” Ms. LaNova Schall, EIS Principal, commented.

To conclude, the new schedule has received mixed results: some students say it’s beneficial, while others believe the old schedule is better. Even teachers feel conflicted about whether they favor it. Although there are two perspectives on this topic, people should remember that no matter the schedule, we are the ones who decide whether to use it to benefit ourselves. “The key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities,”  -Stephen Covey.