by Hope Ferris

Big changes are coming to CA: as part of the new Strategic Plan, students will next year see a schedule shift that will free the C-block from its mid-morning spot and allow more flexibility in class scheduling for both students and teachers. I talked to students and faculty about the possible impact of this shift and their feelings towards the new schedule:

 

THE ARTS PROGRAM –

Michael Hayes, arts director, is very enthusiastic about the updated schedule, and the possibilities it holds for a revitalizing the arts program at CA. “Over the past five years, student interests have changed, but the arts program was getting into a rut,” he commented. To address this, the music department has been holding more collaborative performances, such as the combined concert at Meymandi Hall and this year’s Orchestra-Band and Dance-Chorus concerts in the fall. Mr. Hayes hopes this collaborative trend continues as formerly C Block-only classes are offered during multiple periods, and open up opportunities for more student-produced work:

“Student opportunities for creation, not just in fine arts but also in music, are just as important as the continued legacy.”  -Michael Hayes

For Sophomores and incoming Freshman, the Art and Design program is being revamped. Students will only have to take the class for one year, but must fulfill the same number of arts credits as in previous years, which means students will have even more opportunities to explore other arts electives. Some exciting classes possibly being offered next year include Fiber Arts, Weaving, Screen Printing, and 3D animation.

 

C BLOCK CHANGES –

During the week of January 30th, students tested out a prototype schedule that moved Wednesday clubs to mid-day and shifted C block into the daily rotation. Because of the changes, arts programs will no longer be offered on a 3 day or 2 day basis, but rather as a two-day class and a class that meets for one regular period and one double block.

Student responses about the four double block Thursday (one of which was a C block) were consistent; Caroline Brewer, a current junior, commented that “having 3 academic double blocks in a row was exhausting.”

Many students also had suggestions for adjusting this prototype. Junior Chelsea Fang shared her opinions on the change, stating ” I like how it gives more flexibility in terms of class selection; however, I think that specifically with the four double block Thursday, having a break between every class would make the day less stressful and easier to handle.”

Students were also thrown off by the slight time shift in the beginning and end of classes. Madisen Placzkowski states: “I see the benefit in having C block in the regular rotation, but I preferred the reliability that the previous schedule offered, so if C block is in the regular rotation, I would like a consistency where classes and lunch start and end at the same time every day – the Thursday shift was confusing to me.”

Other suggestions voiced were moving the Wednesday morning break to after club time to lengthen the school-wide free period, and ensuring there is one non-academic class during the Thursday schedule, whether a club, free period, or C block.

 

Though adjustment to the new schedule may be difficult, especially for me and other rising seniors, the increased flexibility and new class offerings will ensure the 2017-2018 school year is one of the most engaging and exciting yet.