Administration switched student schedules to create more, smaller Algebra II classes and to facilitate a more “effective class” environment, according to math teacher Evan Lee. Students in Geometry Enriched also experienced changes, as their prior class periods were replaced by the new Algebra II offerings, and they were instead moved to other Geometry Enriched periods. The changes affected students’ entire schedules, leading to teacher changes and other subject switches.
Students expressed varying opinions on the shift, with some feeling grateful for the smaller class environment, and others feeling frustrated about the sudden switch.
Lee’s third period Geometry Enriched class was moved due to the addition of one Algebra II class. Lee said that the switch is intended to benefit students. “It was done in the best interest of students, because that Geometry Enriched class was quite small, and all of our Algebra II classes are quite large,” he said. “In order to best allocate resources and provide student support, the best thing would be to open up another Algebra II class.”
Lee was confident that the timing of the switch also worked well. “Luckily, all of us on that team go at the same pace. We teach the same concepts, so it’s a very smooth transition,” he said.
Junior Alli Brottem’s AP U.S. History and Algebra II were swapped, and her math class switched teachers. Brottem was initially annoyed about the change. “At first I was frustrated because even though they do teach the same stuff, they have different routines every day,” she said.
However, Brottem has become more comfortable with the class since the change. “It’s my third day in the class, and I’m already feeling situated, and I know the routines now, so I’m feeling better about it,” she said.
Brottem also believes that having a smaller Algebra II class was beneficial. “My last math class had at least 30 people, which was a lot,” she said. “I definitely think having a smaller math class is better because you are able to ask more questions and have more help and support.”
Some students are more frustrated about the alterations to their schedule. For sophomore Tessa Emery, the changes switched her Digital Photo I class with her Algebra II class. “I’ve been very upset because they just randomly switched my schedule without telling me,” she said. “I kept trying to go to my counselor and switch it back, but they won’t let me.”
Freshman Margot Statkiewicz faced a major shift when her schedule was rearranged. “I was moved from third period Geometry Enriched to first period, and most of everyone in my class just had their P.E. switched,” she said.
The unexpected timing left little room to prepare for Statkiewicz. “I found out at the very end of class on a Friday, and immediately, the next Monday was going to be the new switch,” she said.
As a new student, Statkiewicz found that starting over in a new period brought additional social inconveniences. “It’s odd having to meet all new people again and not knowing anybody’s names again when I’d already figured everything out in my class beforehand,” she said.
Statkiewicz also appreciates the new small classroom setting. “[The class is] more hands-on, while in my other class, sometimes I was confused a lot,” Statkiewicz said.
Ultimately, many students experienced some disruption due to the schedule changes. However, Lee believes that it will smooth out with time. “There’s probably an initial shock, but I’m sure things will settle down, and people will understand why,” Lee said.
