The district announced that they might change the bell schedule, starting in the 2019-2020 school year. They presented three options: a seven period day, a trimester schedule, or a block schedule. They plan to change our bell schedule because of the new requirement of 24 credits to graduate for the class of 2021 and the classes after, allowing no wiggle room with classes.

Even though the state legislature might move the credit requirement to 21 credits, the district still plans on requiring 24.

“We are moving forward no matter they decide. It will provide a benefit for students,” said Miriam Mickelson, a committee member.

The district wants to add more required credits to graduate to allow students to explore new classes and be college and career ready straight out of high school.

“We are looking for more opportunities for students to explore,” said Kent Kultgen, the superintendent for the district.

There are both pros and cons to all three of these options. In a seven period day, which allows a student to earn 28 credits, our classes would be even shorter than they are now. It would also require teaches to work even more than they already do, teaching an extra classes.

“Reducing class time reduces the quality of learning,” said English Teacher Bill Erickson.

Although in a trimester students could earn up to 30 credits, it would require more from the teachers as well, and is a lot work on students, especially those taking multiple AP and advanced classes. With teachers trying to plan lessons for these many classes, we may need to hire more, although our school has neither the room nor the resources to do so now.

“Teachers are tired now as it is, and add more to that and where does the energy come from?” said Biology Teacher Tamara Caraballo.

Another schedule is a block schedule, which gives students the opportunity to get up to 32 credits. With this schedule we would have alternating classes, would give us extended class periods. While many yearlong classes such as Publications and Band where it is good to meet daily would affected by this. However, it would also give teachers more time to thoroughly teach and answer students’ questions.

“At another school that I teach at we have a block schedule, which is actually kind of nice for class like science because it gives us lots of time to do labs and work in class,” said Laura Wisman, a geometry teacher.

Along with this bell schedule, the district will be implementing a credit intervention and retrieval program. This will allow students who are almost passing to earn a passing grade to earn the credit, or redo assignments from first semester to earn that grade. While this might seem like a good idea at first, teachers definitely have their own opinions on the matter.

“I think that this is a great idea because some people have a rough start and just need a little help picking up,” said Caraballo.

“If the class is rigorous I like the idea. But if someone doesn’t try and then just sits at a computer for a few hours and earns a credit what good is it? There’s some value to sitting in a class and listening to a teacher who might know some stuff,” said Erickson.

We are still not sure if the six period will still be considered as a schedule choice. We don’t know if a change in schedule will help and benefit our school.

“Like I always say, if it ain’t broke don’t fix it,” said Erickson.