Most students entered Santaluces this year expecting some changes. However, one of the most drastic and surprising was the introduction of block scheduling. Not only does block scheduling add one more class to the traditional existing schedule, it also alternates classes each day as opposed to attending every class daily.

Due to having students attend four classes a day, time for each class has also been extended. Block scheduling was put into place at Santaluces as a response to the Palm Beach County School District’s requirement for an eight class schedule for “D” rated schools. Prior to the start of the new school year, teachers voted that having block scheduling would be the best way to deal with this new requisite.

Response from students at the beginning of the year was either neutral of positive. In regards to whether block scheduling will raise our school’s grade, junior Josh Estevez felt that students and teachers will have more of an impact on the students grade than a schedule alteration.

“Simply changing the schedule won’t do much for the school’s grade - it’s all up to the students and teachers to improve it.” said Estevez.

Senior Josh Ackerman, on the other hand, felt that this change in scheduling would do wonders for the school’s academic image.

“With our old schedule we had 45 minutes, which was not a sufficient amount of time to properly learn what was needed to be taught.” said Ackerman. “With the new schedule, the periods are longer and we have more time to be able to understand what is taught and ask questions at the end if need be.”

Teachers were pleased and hopeful about the new schedule. English teacher Mr. Lifson had expressed that block scheduling had definite potential.

“I’m hopeful and optimistic that the lengthened class time will contribute to the depth that teachers can get into and that students can explore.” he said.

Mr. Combs felt that block scheduling was a vast improvement over the traditional schedule offered at Santaluces.

“Students and teachers have time to get things done, and class discussions can be spoken in length. Block scheduling mirrors college scheduling, which prepares students for college life.” said Mr Combs, who teaches economics.


Now that students have had a solid amount of time to experience and get used to the new schedule, many have found the adaption to block scheduling seamless and superior to the original scheduling. However, some have criticized the length of the classes.

Freshman Alan Goloaday finds block scheduling appealing due to the increase in the amount of time to finish homework.

“Block scheduling is good because it gives you extra time for homework”, said Goloaday.

Sophomore Melissa Bernard is even more optimistic towards block scheduling.

“I love it! It’s easier to do homework, as you don’t have to turn in homework the next day”, said Bernard.

Junior Greg Saget finds some benefits in the new scheduling but is not happy about the longer amount of time spent in class.

“It gives us more time to do out work, but the bad part is that we have to stay in class so long”, said Saget.

Senior Kirsten Hinzman thinks that block scheduling is a definite improvement over the past traditional schedule.

“I think it’s good. Seniors get out earlier, we get more classes, and teachers get more time to teach instead of rushing everything. 45 minutes per class was just too short”, said Hinzman.

Teacher Mr. Carruthers, on the other hand, thinks that the scheduling has changed for the worse.

“I don’t like it, I spoke against it when I spoke to the faculty. I think the periods are too long, and I don’t like the fact that I don’t see my students everyday. It’s especially bad if a student is absent or there is a holiday, as there is a huge gap in the time period that I’ll get to see them again”, said Carruthers.

Overall, it seems like students and teachers have gotten used to the new method of scheduling. While some have preferred aspects of the original schedule, it seems like most are happy or content with the alterations. Time will be the sole indicator on whether our school’s grade will improve or not due to block scheduling.