The proposed Monday schedule change has received mixed opinions from Doherty students and staff alike. Some are in favor of the change; others have more nuanced opinions to express about the matter. Is it going to be a good idea in the long run? We will try to answer that question here. 

Given the outrage about the controversial bell schedule at Doherty, it is reasonable for the people controlling the schedule to want to make changes next semester. The way Mondays are handled is what is being discussed, and the idea proposed is to have all 8 classes, as well as CCR, all had on the day. This is the alternative to the block schedule days alternating between 1-4 and 5-8 classes each week. 

Understandably, this makes it so that no classes lose time compared to each other each week. Students and teachers have both been begging for more time for in-class engagement, after all. However, even this leaves both in a mildly sticky situation. Instead of some classes totally losing their in-class time every other Monday, all eight classes will just equally lose time altogether.  Mrs. Miguelgorry, an English teacher, stated the benefits: “It guarantees the ability to see kids three times a week.” 

However, there is the negative as well. “I don’t think it necessarily solves the major problem that most people have with the schedule,” states Mr. German. The problem people have is that classes are actively losing time, and this new schedule doesn’t exactly alleviate that issue. “At least they are trying to solve the problem.” 

Having such short classes back-to-back, with both CCR and a delayed start on top, gives such little time to get classwork done. To some, this change might even make classes less engaging due to the time given for Monday classes being so little. It could be disjointed and supply little wiggle room for students that need help. Of course, the current Monday schedules are flawed on their own. There will be some months where, with holiday breaks and other days off adding up, certain days can meet as little as nine or ten times that month. It has been contentious for several students due to the possible class time being lost. But will supplementing that with not enough time to get work done in any class on Mondays be any better? 

Many would agree that both proposals are not ideal. Differently scheduled Mondays inherently throw off the workflow of students. To add on to that, CCR isn’t exactly a popular class either with neither students nor teachers. Though the class can be implemented to get the most important work like college preparation done, it is frustrating to spend time there doing less significant work when that time could be given to the other more important classes. 

So, what exactly is the solution here? That answer will vary depending on the person being asked, but there are popular answers among everybody frustrated with this bell schedule.  It most likely is an issue beyond just the Monday schedule. Students and teachers have been vocal with their disdain with the insistency to use the bell schedule overall. They all express similar feelings; the classes are far too long and the gaps between class days give less access to help teachers want to give. Numbers aren’t readily available to see, but it is more than likely this has affected many students’ performance in school negatively.  

Ms. Sketers suggested a solution: “I wish we had the option of just having a rotating block schedule.” She explains this would make sure no class would lose time. The idea is that no matter what, if one day is periods 1 through 4, the next day will be 5 through 8, and vice versa. This makes sure that if there is a snow day or other missed day, the schedule will fix itself and classes will meet as expected, being less confusing as well.  

However you feel about the schedule personally, it is a good thing to discuss when moving forward for students and teachers to reach the best solution.