WOODBURY – This year at Nonnewaug High School there has been a major switch to the schedule allowing Nonnewaug to go from a 7 period schedule to an 8 period day.
Madelyn Waugh is a freshman and agriscience student, and because she is in the ag program she doesn’t have some of the same opportunities as others due to the scheduling conflict that agriscience creates. But thanks to the new schedule, Waugh and other agriscience students are able to take those classes she is eager to explore.
“I have more opportunities to take classes I couldn’t before,” Waugh says.
Adding an extra class period gives many students chances to experience new classes, especially those who are involved in the agriculture program.
Principal Mykal Kuslis changed the schedule so this year it’s four block days a week and one day where all eight classes meet, instead of last year’s schedule which featured two block days and three days with all seven classes.
“Students last year had a 93% chance of getting the classes that they requested, which is pretty good, but it could still be improved,” Kuslis says. “This year because of the new schedule the percentage of students getting the classes they want went up to 98%.”
The class times have increased and teachers have more time to plan a longer and more beneficial lesson.
“There are more block days so there is more time to do work,” says junior Brady Herman who finds the schedule to be more productive in class.
Beyond just the added time to meet with faculty and collaborate with fellow students, many NHS students appreciate the built-in windows to get ahead with homework.
“I can get my homework done,” says sophomore Dylan Diezel.
The stress of getting every class’s homework done in one day is a lot of pressure, especially for students who do after school activities such as clubs and sports.
From a different perspective, sophomore Erin O’Leary believes that the classes are difficult to stay focused and productive for a longer amount of time.
“The classes are way too long,” O’Leary says. “I can’t sit still for that long.”
While some students struggle with the extended class periods, NHS faculty have been working to include a variety of kinesthetic learning experiences.
“We do hands-on things here,” said science teacher Toby Denman. “Instead of just sitting here and taking notes.”
In the end, students are able to enjoy opportunities and explore new interests thanks to this year’s new schedule.
“When the classes are longer it gives me so much time to complete assignments,” said sophomore Isabella Geloso. “I even completed my homework.”
