HUDSON — As the first year with the new schedule comes to a close, students and teachers are already debating one question — was the change worth it?
Since ARC time was reduced in the new schedule, students say they’re feeling the impact — more work and fewer chances during the day to get it done.
“I would make it so we have ARC every day. I think this would be more beneficial for students who feel like they don’t have as much time because of the schedule,” said senior Christian Andrade.
With all seven classes scheduled on Mondays, students have noticed an increase in workload and a decrease in time available to complete it.
“The biggest difference is the workload on Mondays,” Andrade said. “I feel like I am cramming in most of the work because of this, and it feels like we have less time.”
Teachers, however, have a different perspective. Ms. Vivirito, a history teacher who has been teaching for more than 30 years, said she has had a positive experience with the schedule.
“We have more consistency. Monday is like every other Monday, Tuesday is like every other Tuesday,” Vivirito said.
While there is more consistency, that was not the main reason for the new schedule. Instead, it was created to support state-funded early college classes that take place during H block.
Partnered with Worcester State University, juniors and seniors can take one to two college classes per semester, each worth three college credits.
However, because this program is only available to juniors and seniors, some students feel the schedule benefits only certain grade levels.
Underclassmen, who do not have access to these courses, still follow the same schedule and they experienced increased workloads and less ARC time without receiving the same opportunities.
Overall, the schedule has left many students and teachers with mixed opinions. Some say it is beneficial, while others feel the challenges outweigh the benefits.
“Not having ARC every day is a big change for me at the school,” said sophomore Mason Bastien. “Being a student-athlete, I don’t have much time to get homework done, and I use ARC to do it. Without ARC on Monday or Friday, I find myself falling behind.”
