Chasen Shao ‘15
Assistant Editor-in Chief

In every coming school year, new changes are evident. The past seniors leave and in their place, a new class enters to restart the high school experience. However, for the past two years, the incoming underclassmen have been experiencing a turbulent change in the new schedules which have created an even more foreign experience for the new freshmen. This year, on top of the block-type schedule and extended periods, they must come into school half an hour earlier. Witnessing the troubles that I experienced as a freshman, I can only imagine the new existing troubles that could arise in these new experiences.
In interviewing these new experiences of the new freshman, I found the similar differences of the overall feelings of the experiences as in all situations. As Ben Ho (’17) says “Many may disagree with me, but I actually enjoy this new schedule and the experience.” Those like Ben agreed that this new improved schedule from the situation in middle school works better to provide a superior learning environment, much like the administrators in Cherry Hill who initiated these new programs. They believe that this new schedule allows a better way to measure the enrichment of the student education at all three high schools. Some students like Ben agree similarly due to their enjoyment of their classes.
On the other side of the coin, there are students who openly voice their opinion against the changed schedule. These “rebels” remain adhered to the previous schedule and for most, the 30 minutes of extra time in bed. In speaking with some teachers, I have realized a similar complaint. Some say that such changes have impacted student participation and attention in class. This increased length, many say, may be attributed to the 30 minutes of extra school time.
In time, however, this new schedule is meant to provide positive changes. Specifically, this new schedule is aimed to establish longer and more meaningful class time, providing more opportunities for student improvement. Therefore, as teachers move forward, may the initial anxiety about the scheduling go away as merely a sporadic event, as students and teachers alike move once again towards a more productive school year.