Spring Grove Area High School established a new schedule for the 2023-2024 freshmen. Since this schedule is something new, I interviewed multiple freshman on their opinion of the schedule. I asked a series of questions regarding what we call the block schedule. I received a variation of answers to some questions, but the majority had the same answers. All the interviewees asked to stay anonymous. The questions were about workload, grades, and opinion about the potential to keeping the schedule for years to come.
I asked : “Were your teachers helpful and understanding at the beginning of the year with the new schedules?” I received the following answers, “yes and no”, “sorta”, “Yeah, I could say so”, and “Eh, depends”.
I then proceeded to ask, if the teachers are able to transition between topics. According to the answers I received, some teachers are and some are not. That leaves kids sitting in only one spot for an hour and twenty minutes.
A new study suggests that when teens sit in a singular spot for an extended period of time it may impact their mental health.
On the topic of students’ mental health, I asked if students feel worn out after class. I received answers saying “no”, “yes”, “sometimes”, and “If you are talking about one teacher particularly then yes it is but if it’s others then no I’m good.”
Since students have the block schedules all 4 core classes are not given at the same time of the year. Regarding that, I asked if students have a hard time recalling material that they learned 9 months ago instead of 4 months time period. The answers I received were two yes’s and two nos.
With the knowledge of these previous answers, I proceeded to ask, if the teachers are understanding when material is forgotten. I received “yes and no”, “kinda”, and another “yes”.
Since we have the extra 40 minutes added to classes, I asked about work load. In conclusion to that question I received 3 yes’s and 1 no.
Since we established a new schedule, I asked if it was thought to be necessary. I received all answers of no. I also asked if they thought if there was potential in having the schedules. I received 2 no’s, a yes, and an “I don’t know”.
