New Schedule at TC

With a contribution by Iva Quint.

Although many students enjoyed a break from school in February, the record snowfall has created many problems. “In higher level classes it’s been very disruptive and it’s going to be a big challenge to get back on track for both students and teachers,” said math teacher Gary Thomas. Alexandria schools have missed 10 days, three of which will be made up on April 16th, May 18th, and June 23rd, days that had already been built into the school calendar. How the remaining seven days will be made up has been a question on everyone’s mind. On Tuesday February 16th, T.C. staff and teachers had a meeting where they were asked to give input on what they thought would be most beneficial for students in terms of making up the lost time. Adding days to spring break and the end of the year were discussed, as well as adding 30 minutes to every school day. Though adding time to each school day may affect buses and transportation as well as sports and extra curricular activities, it was still generally thought of as the most viable solution.

Superintendent, Morton Sherman, proposed the idea of including an additional 30 minutes to the school day: 10 minutes in the morning with school starting at 8:25, and 20 minutes in the afternoon with school ending at 3:35. The additional time will begin on March 8th and continue through June 4th. “As long as it does not change the overall structure of the calendar, then I am in favor of the make-up hours. The kids are in need of a spring break, and I do not want to be here until July,” U.S. History teacher Patrick Deville said. Third, fourth and fifth periods will not be affected in the new schedule. Seven minutes will be taken off both first and last periods every day and combined with the extra 30 minutes, to create time for a 45 minute block. Every Wednesday, this extra block will be dedicated to Titan Up.

The new schedule may have an affect on sports and other afterschool activities. “Where [the added time] is going to come into play is transportation. Because school is getting out later, buses will not be available until later. This gives athletes less time to practice or warm up before away games,” Assistant Athletic Director, Bob Evanson said. Although the new schedule, a combined effort from T.C. staff, is not perfect, it’s the best solution for the most students.

You can view the new schedule at http://www.acpsk12.org/theogony/2009-2010/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/bell-schedule.pdf