The schedule change is something that has been implemented for students starting this year. For teachers the change had already happened for them with their contracts slowly adding more time to their schedule.  One of the changes was sixth grade having arts block first period instead of the middle of the day. This change was added because the arts block would be in the middle of a two period class. The sixth grade art block was  during second period last year. It was in between a combined period with some having E.L.A or Math as a combined period in the morning where first period they started class and then the lesson would be cut off for art block. A change to compensate for this was academic support being changed to fifth period instead of first for seventh and eighth grade. Another change was made was Library Media was added for an arts block for sixth grade. 

“The 20 minutes was added for more instructional time,” Mr. Griffith, middle school principal, has stated. “The changes were made so the schedules were more understandable and that the students had more time for learning.” 

After more interviewing, Mr. Griffith has acknowledged that: For teachers it was easier on their days to work, since teachers have to stay afterward at school either way. Every class is just a bit longer. Instead of 37-38 minutes, we now have 40 minutes for each class.

He also said something that is mostly important to sixth graders which is: “So, one thing we noticed with last year’s schedule. Last year’s block was broken into half with elective class in the middle. So, you’d start with math, go to art, then you go right back to math.”

After an interview with Ms. Heiman about adding library media into the art block rotation for 6th, 7th and 8th grade. “I’m figuring it out. It’s been awhile since I’ve teached 6th grade. We’ll be reading a book together, doing K’nex together. Basically, I want the library to be a welcoming place for everyone.” 

I also asked Ms. Heimen that library media was a good thing that it was added to the art block rotation. 

“I think it’s good that I’ll have all 6th graders in class this year. It’s just hard when the library is closed for another period of the day,” Heiman said.

After interviewing all these teachers, students have more time and more knowledge of how this year will be for their upcoming time in this district.