Last year was different, to say the least. But, for the most part, we’re essentially back to “normal.” Long gone are the days of Google Meets and the transition period. Online tests, six period days, and seven minutes in between periods are things of the past. This year, Edgemont saw the return to a full, nine period schedule, and Edgemont students have varying feelings about the “new” schedule.
“I just feel like the classes last year were too long to sit through. I’m definitely happy that all my classes are back to 40 minutes.” - Aaron Larit
Some, such as Aaron Larit ‘23, are definitely fans of the shorter classes, stating, “I just feel like the classes last year were too long to sit through. I’m definitely happy that all my classes are back to 40 minutes.” Others are just glad to see more of their classmates every day. “Last year just felt kinda isolating,” said one anonymous student. “There were only a handful of kids that you saw each day, and you kinda lost touch with mostly everyone else. It’s the small conversations in class, with kids who aren’t necessarily your best friend. It’s the small stuff like that that I missed.”
“I definitely feel healthier and more alive. I missed the front of the school being crowded and there being a long line to get picked up. The mood at the school feels a lot more lively which I love” - Brady Yee
Seeing half of the class on a screen, reminding the teacher to unmute the mic, and staring at a computer screen all day long had gotten a bit tiring for many. “I definitely feel healthier and more alive. I missed the front of the school being crowded and there being a long line to get picked up. The mood at the school feels a lot more lively which I love,” said Brady Yee ‘23.
“It’s just been kind of hard to readjust back to the nine period schedule. After being used to longer and fewer periods each day, the new schedule feels kinda stressful.”
But others aren’t so excited about the nine period schedule. With every class every day, the workload has increased, which seems to be the root of many kids' complaints. Aarya Shah ‘22 stated, “It’s just been kind of hard to readjust back to the nine period schedule. After being used to longer and fewer periods each day, the new schedule feels kinda stressful. We also have a lot more work and tests, which is a lot to get used to.”
“It’s been extremely challenging entering the nine period day once again, especially as a junior. With assignments now due every day and an overlap of assessments, I’m having difficulty finding time for myself.
Last year, almost every aspect of school was different and took a bit of time to get used to. The online quizzes and tests, the half online half in-person socratic seminars, the long transition, and seven minute passing times were completely new territory. For many kids, it felt as though as soon as they were beginning to adjust to the irregular school day, they were thrown back into the normal school environment. Abigail Lewis ‘23 notes. “It’s been extremely challenging entering the nine period day once again, especially as a junior. With assignments now due every day and an overlap of assessments, I’m having difficulty finding time for myself. Though I am ecstatic to see my school friends on the daily, all that once felt familiar about school now makes me feel lost.”
The consensus from the students is that it was refreshing to get back to school. The environment at Edgemont, created by the students and faculty, is one of the reasons why we love it so much. It’s the little things that really contribute to a student’s experience here. Seeing some friends in the cafeteria, having a conversation with one of your teachers, actually playing sports in gym class, studying in the library with a friend — these are what can make your day.
“It was so inspiring to see so many students and faculty come out to cheer us on. After last year, it was just so refreshing. It really showed how resilient of a community we are”
For many, homecoming week really showed how much has changed since last year. “It was so inspiring to see so many students and faculty come out to cheer us on. After last year, it was just so refreshing. It really showed how resilient of a community we are,” said Cole Young ‘23. Whether you liked the six-period schedule better than the nine, or vice versa, we think it is healthy that we are getting back to a somewhat normal routine. Hopefully, we will be able to stay safe and make a full return back to how life was before COVID.
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