New Castle Students Adjust to New School Schedules
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic raging at the start of the 2020-2021 school year, it was decided that the school day would have to be shortened to 8:00-2:32 for the high school building to limit close contact between students and to give teachers some time to prep virtual videos. Many students liked this shorter school day schedule because it was beneficial to after-school activities such as work, sports, and clubs.
It was announced in May by the New Castle Community School Corporation that the 2021-2022 school year, the school day would be extended by nearly an hour. For the high school, arrival time would be 8:30 and release time would be extended to 3:30. Along with the high school students, the middle school had their day extended to 8:25-3:25, and the elementary schools to 8:00 am-2:55 pm. This extended time made high school class times change to 55 minutes instead of 50. However, the announcement of school ending at 3:30 didn’t fly very well with a lot of students.
After a few weeks of school, students are beginning to grow used to the new schedule. However, kids have said that there are many changes that have had to been made in order to accommodate for the later release time.
Many students have said that the extra half hour of sleep in the mornings has done little to help their late nights of homework. After getting home from work and sports, many students still have homework and chores to complete. Students have complained about having to arrive at work later, and bump back the start times of sport’s practices. Many have also commented that the completion of chores has become more of a difficult task.
The majority of students were satisfied with the old 8:00-2:32 schedule of last year. Many of the students have also stated that they would be satisfied if the school day simply got moved to 8:00-3:00 instead. Many parents and veteran teachers have also voiced their opinions, stating that students should not be held in school any longer than 3:00 pm.
Even though students have been expressing their opinions about the new bell schedule, teachers have seemed to enjoy the change. Many have said it gives more time for meetings in the mornings, and more time to prepare lessons. One teacher even said that the extra half hour of school has also done well for her mood in the mornings.
Even though the school times have hanged multiple times in the previous years, this new 8:30-3:30 schedule is likely to be staying the same for many years to come. Everyone will have to learn how to adapt, but there’s one thing everyone can agree on: The extra half hour of sleep in the morning is indeed wonderful.
