Over the years, the block schedule has taken some getting used to for some, while to many other students this has been a positive change. Student Erin Maynes says, “I love the block schedule, but there could be some change to the way teachers approach it.” Likewise, fellow student Matthew LaProcido had this to say: “Block periods make it easier for me to manage my work. The periods can be long sometimes, but it’s worth it.” Both of these students, like me, feel that while the block periods are beneficial to our students, there is always opportunity for change.
Being a student in this block schedule with multiple different teachers and throughout multiple years, I have seen how each teacher approaches this schedule, and there are some approaches that I prefer to others. In my opinion, the most productive block periods are the ones that split it up by making half the class teaching and the other half a working period. This also depends on the class and what is being taught, but from my experience this has been the best solution to the long periods.
Some students are also under the impression that teachers were given direction via email to limit the breaks to essentially make it even shorter than it is, over the course of this hour and twenty minute period. The assumption is also that students are not allowed to leave the classroom during this time except for use of the bathroom. This does not take into account the need for a mental health break when needed. I think it would be more beneficial and provide for more focused learning if this was used to replenish their systems by exercising the rest of their body or grabbing a quick snack. Personally I have seen students doze off, do work unrelated to the class, or sit on their phones. This seems to happen when there is no break or change in the class routine.
I am writing this in hopes for a change in how the block schedule is addressed by the teachers and the school. I am a senior now so my time at the school is almost at an end, but I hope that my suggestions will be taken into account for future years. I believe this is a change that is easy to make but can have a much larger positive impact than people would like to believe. I hope this doesn’t give the impression that I want longer breaks or less teaching time. I simply want to learn when I am at my best and in the best way possible and want the same for the students who also attend HMHS.
