Royalton Block Schedule

Royalton Middle/High School is a small school where I have been enrolled since seventh grade. It has been undergoing some major changes in the last few years including a large addition to the school and a switch in their grading system. Now, the school board is debating on whether Royalton Middle/High School should convert from a block schedule to a seven period schedule. As a student, the switch would have a negative impact on my learning abilities and cause more harm than good. Two reasons why the school should not undergo with the change are less stress on students, and more effective teaching.
Some may argue that during a seven period day students will learn more as a result of having extra classes. In theory this statement is true, but …show more content…
During the block schedule, students typically receive less homework by not having as many classes in a day. With reduced homework, they undergo less stress, resulting in better sleep and a more attentive learner. It provides them with more time for extracurricular activities, exercise, and a better social life; all components that play a role in a student 's mental and physical health. As a high school athlete, sometimes juggling homework, sports, and a social life becomes overwhelming. So, if Royalton would switch to the seven period day, it would increase homework, and reduce limited social life to almost nothing. Second, the block schedule promotes better time management by making it easier for students to transfer from one class to another. Currently, the junior and senior high have separate passing times throughout the day so the hallways are not crowded between classes. However, if it switches to a seven period day, all passing times would be the same causing major traffic in the halls, locker banks, and bathrooms; producing more tardies, which results in detentions and bad attendance records. For example, if I have a class on the north end of the school and my following class is on the south end, the high traffic in the hallway would make it difficult to travel to my next class on time while stopping at my locker and potentially using the crowded restroom. Last, the block schedule is easier on students by providing a study hall. It gives them a chance to take a break from classes and work on homework, lessening the amount they have after school, especially for those involved in extracurricular activities. For example, while playing baseball for the Royalton Royals, our 2015 season was condensed into the last few weeks from snow on the ball field. So, when it finally dried with