At Dallas High School, a five-period schedule change has officially been approved by principal, Mr. Shaffer, superintendent Mr. Galicki, and the Dallas School Board in order to make the most of the new high school, but what does this mean for the future of clubs? Dallas High School currently operates under a four-period block schedule, with a flex period at the end of the day for students to participate in clubs, do homework, or just get extra help from teachers. Right now, every class runs for eighty-one minutes every day, and can last nine weeks, eighteen weeks, or an entire school year. After planning a new schedule change since the beginning of the 2010-2011 school year, Principal Jeffrey Shaffer is ready to make it happen for next year.
The new schedule has recently been approved and scheduling began in April, instead of February like usual. According to Mr. Shaffer, a new school and new schedule would have been too much for the 2011-2012 school year. However, make no doubt that Mr. Shaffer and a group of teachers have been tirelessly trying to develop a schedule that would both utilize the new building and be in the students’ best interest. Mr. Shaffer was instructed by the state and the superintendent to develop a new schedule after the inception of the new Keystone Exams and the forthcoming elimination of the PSSA’s. Keep in mind that nothing is final and that the new schedule still needs “tweaking.”
Mr. Shaffer stated, “We have been considering types of schedules from schools all around the country.” “We even did a telecast with a school from Wisconsin, but ultimately rejected their schedule type.”
The committee has pondered a traditional eight-period day and an eight-period hybrid block. It was even proposed to increase class periods from eighty-one minutes to ninety-two minutes, but that was disregarded. Now, seventy-three minute periods are proposed because, according to Mr. Shaffer, many teachers do not teach from bell to bell. However, a problem arises from that.
“People may be excited with shorter periods, but this creates a loss of eight minutes every day from each period.” “Over a nine week period, that is a lot of class time lost, “Shaffer said.
Regardless, some changes include the elimination of homeroom, which would only take place for the distribution of report cards and for the first and final days of school. Also, considering the fact that many seniors will be on the verge of living alone and making a life for themselves, there will be a new family and consumer science class for seniors. This class will teach life skills that are needed more by seniors than by freshmen, who currently take the class.
Mrs. Garvey, a family and consumer science teacher said, “I am excited about my new foods class for seniors.” “I think that students will get used to the schedule change.”
The new schedule also enables teachers to teach more classes. There are many rooms not being used, so a schedule change could make use of them by adding courses such as that of technology, more A.P. courses, and a broadcast journalism class. However, whatever happens, not everyone will be satisfied.
On the other hand, Mr. Connors, a wellness teacher wants the schedule remain the same. “It fits for my gym classes.” He was referring to the fact that if there were shortened periods, there would not be enough time to get both dressed and undressed as well as participate in an adequate gym class.
Mr. Shaffer also acknowledges that many students participate in clubs. An activity period will be in place, but it is for academic work only, not for clubs. However, Shaffer suggested that clubs can meet before or after school or during lunch. On a recent poll by the newspaper staff, only seven out of fifty-eight students would be willing to stay after school for clubs. Reasons include lack of rides, low energy, and the fact that the academic day is already eight hours long. With more pressures to focus on academics in the hopes of increasing test scores, it seems that co-curricular activities have become less important.
“Academics are more important,” said Shaffer.
Shaffer also acknowledged that students in other countries have more academic instruction due to longer school hours, which leads to better scores. Concerning the fact that colleges like to see a well-rounded student that participates in clubs, Mr. Shaffer said that they care more about good grades.
All in all, the future of clubs for the 2012-2013 school year remains uncertain. Keep in mind that the existence of clubs still depends on student and teacher participation. This year, the DHS Newspaper Club experienced a significant drop in members, which was partially due to senior flex dismissal. However, the remaining members continued to produce excellent articles throughout the remainder of the year. Hopefully, this will not be The Mountaineer’s last article!