Everyone knows the agony of sitting in classes for longer than normal schedule allows, either working hard on an EOC test or stuck in your first class while classmates work through their own tests. In the past, we would’ve had this long-winded schedule for around ten days. This semester, a change is being made. This year testing will only last five days. When admin Jessica Everitt was asked why the switch was made she made a point about how Mrs. Jacomen noticed that the longer time span was hurting the school, rather than helping it.
“I think Mrs. Jacomen recognised that the lost hours had the students tied up with missed classes…this also helps the kids with off campus classes. They are less affected by the schedule.” Mrs. Everitt said.
There was also the benefit of having more time to learn. Mrs. Everitt specifically mentioned how having more time gives the teachers the ability to teach students more, calling out how teachers will never have enough time to teach the kids everything they need to know. and things that aren’t needed for the state testing but the teachers believe will be helpful for us to know.
“There is less pressure on the teachers, I don’t think you know this, but the teachers go through more pressure than you guys can believe. They have more topics than they have time to teach you, and they want to have a positive influence on you in the short time they are given.” Mrs. Everitt said.
Another important point that was brought up was having more time at the end of the year and what that means for the students. There are bonds being made throughout the time spent in the school that students need to capitalize on at the end of the year, and the more time at the end of the year to have effortless fun the better! It’s important to keep the social aspect of school alive.
“A benefit of this transition will be having more time for end of the year fun, which is very important. You guys will have more opportunities to talk to peers and grow as people.” Mrs. Everitt said.
Mrs. Everitt was appreciative of her school, as well. She highlighted the resilient nature of our school, and how we have the tendency to roll with any punches thrown, and where some schools have to worry about how the student body will be affected, she doesn’t have to worry nearly as much.
“You guys are a great student body, you are very adaptable and when we tell you things are changing, you just say ‘okay!’ and move on with it. And you aren’t big complainers either, not to say you won’t tell us when things are wrong, but we appreciate the constructive feedback.” Mrs. Everitt said.
This shift in routine may take some getting used to, but the admin is hopeful about the outcome and confident in our ability as a school to be able to adapt.
