By Abby Leopard

NOV. 7, 2016

The Sedro-Woolley High School six period schedule has come to an end. As of 2016 the school for the first time ever has started to use a new and improved eight period schedule.

This new schedule includes a “Power Hour.” This is the time you eat lunch and can also go to classes you struggle with, or classes you want to have fun in. The students are not permitted to go to both lunches during this time or consequences will follow. Teachers are allowed to assign students power hour if they are failing their class.

Many students are fifty-fifty with this new schedule; they either say they like it or don’t. Few have also said they would like it if a few changes could be made.
For example Christian

Tjeerdsdma ,a fellow 12th grader stated “Make it an hour long lunch with no power hour so I can spend more time with friends in between classes.”

Some high shoolers aren’t liking the change to the schedule because they are used to the six period classes instead of eight. However, this schedule makes it possible for students to take more electives and classes.

Other students are loving the 80 minute classes, especially during their electives. Having longer classes gives the teachers and students more time to have one on one conversations and help. Having a class with so many students in a short amount of time can be difficult to make sure every student is understanding and can be helped.

Kenzi Schrader a former Junior likes the longer classes because “It gives more time to actually get to know people in the class.”

There are some challenges. With Blue and White days students are getting mixed up on which day it is and may not be prepared for the classes.

Laura Schmidt an ex Marine Biology teacher and new Dean of Students is liking the new schedule but has noticed some challenges that will resolve over time. For example Mrs. Schmidt said, “ I wish there was a way to make th students understand the schedule better, I feel like I have sent out alot of emails to teachers but not sure if it’s getting to the students or they just aren’t listening.”

She is also noticing that it’s difficult helping Students to stay organized because they have eight teachers instead of six.

Although there are some challenges, Mrs.Schmidt has positive things to say about the new schedule.

“The pace has slowed down a little there’s not as much transition and Students get to take more electives and support classes.”

Above all, the new schedule may have its up and downs, but the Students and Teachers will get the hang of it. The 2016, eight period block schedule is the beginning of a new beginning for Sedro-Woolley High
School.