In the previous years, students at Hempfield High School had an eight period daily schedule. These periods would last just under sixty minutes and would take place throughout the entire year. Now, Hempfield has block scheduling, which is only four periods a day and then a study hall. Classes are about ninety minutes and only occur for half the year.
This change is something that definitely forces freshmen to adjust from their previous middle school schedules which were similar to the old yearly eight period days.
When the time comes around in mid-January, buzzing fills the school as the day approaches of new classes. Some are excited and some are afraid of the possibility of the new challenges they may face.
Hempfield High School teacher Mrs. Loughman has positive views on class changes: “The new semester is off to a busy start! I have three different classes from what I taught in the fall, so it really is like starting the year over just like all of you! I think the best thing for students to do if they’re struggling is get to know their teacher and participate in class. It’s easier to adjust when you feel like you’re in a familiar place with familiar faces. It also helps me to write down a schedule of what I hope to do that day and where I’m supposed to be, which could be helpful for students, too! Eventually, you won’t need to because the new schedule becomes normal again.” As Mrs. Loughman advised, writing things down in a planner is a great tool. It can help keep an organized schedule in and out of the school building.
As students have become more settled into their new classes, opinions may change. To 11th grade student, Izzy, switching classes each semester has become routine in her years at the school. “It’s okay now. It’s not as hard as last semester was, and I like my teachers, but switching classes and lunches is always hard.”
The difference in workload can bring people peace or can bring stress as different topics are being studied. It is also a common struggle among the student body to say goodbye to the new or old friends that have grown together through the fall semester.
For some, the new semester brings chaos as they feel pressure in the fast paced change that occurs in the school. “I do miss last semester because I did have 6 classes and most of them were classes I enjoyed, but this semester I have 5 classes and only enjoy 1. So yeah, I do miss last semester—it was pretty chill for the most part. And semester two is always chaotic because the end of the year is coming and more pressure is put on me to get good grades,” says Kaylee.
Oftentimes it is assumed that more classes means more stress, but it may be reversed. Each class holds different workloads, and it’s important for teachers to help accommodate each student in their learning environment. It may be hard to find balance, so it’s important to find a good support system as things change at a fast pace.
In the spring semester, future planning is also occurring, causing stress on students. During this time, it’s important to also take time to do personal, enjoyable activities to release some of the stress.
Adjusting to change is not always easy, but no matter the circumstances, it is important to find a healthy balance.
