We’ve all heard the rumors of the new scheduling that is said to be taking place at WTHS starting next year. When people hear about this new scheduling, a majority of people’s reactions are confused because they haven’t heard of it or had any experience with it. It’s hard to comprehend the entire idea of not having the same classes every day, and how everyone is able to take eight classes, and still fit in a lunch period. But out of all the confusion, the biggest concern is usually the thought of having a class for 90 minutes. It’s almost unimaginable to students at WTHS who are only used to having a class period for 45 minutes and then moving on to the next.

A lot of schools across the state use this new schedule. Some refer to it as
“block scheduling” and, as WTHS’ would be called, others call it “smart scheduling”, or “modified scheduling”. They’re all very similar and have the same set up, but some schedules have 90 minute classes, and others only last as long as an hour and no more. One school fairly close to WTHS that has been doing block scheduling for the past three years now is Cherry Hill West High School.
Thankfully I’ve been able to talk with a couple students from CHW and hear their view on block scheduling.

“Not having to see the same faces everyday is definitely a benefit. You also get more time to do homework for your classes.” Says Mackenna Staepel ’18.

“Having lunch everyday at the same time is probably my favorite part because I get to eat with all my friends.” She adds.

Staepel says that 90 minute classes are definitely labeled as awful for a reason. She says,
“Most teachers have no idea what to do with all the time they have which makes it really boring.”
Melissa Palladino ’18 also agrees with this.

“If you have a 90 minute class the next day you have to make sure you get the sleep you need the night before to avoid sleeping in class. And also try to make friends. You’re going to be in that class for so long, it’ll get boring without people to socialize with during group assignments.” Says Palladino.
“I find it hard to find cons in block scheduling because it’s honestly one of the smartest decisions I think my school has made.” Says Staepel.

“I think it’s great that more schools are starting to change their scheduling. I think they’ll see that it improves and helps a lot.”