The school year has brought more than just new classes, teachers, and routines; it has introduced major changes that impact the daily life of students and teachers. From the implementation of the eight-day schedule to the transition from HRS Connect to Canvas and Veracross, the School community has had to adjust to the new academic structure.
The new schedule, on a rotating eight-day schedule rather than the previous five-day one, has altered the way students organize their classes, homework, and daily routines. A major positive aspect of the new eight-day schedule is that students have more flexibility with both their classes and homework. Ninth-grader Samika Sadasivan explained, “Because we have classes at different times everyday, it gives you more time to understand the content.”
This extra time can make it easier for students to review material and complete assignments without feeling pressured to finish everything overnight. The schedule also spreads out homework deadlines, which can help students manage their workload more effectively. Ninth-grader Saskia Johnson agreed, saying, “I like having all my homework not due the day after it gets assigned.”
However, the eight-day schedule has also created unnecessary confusion for students. Since the schedule changes day to day, students have to constantly remember which classes they have, when they meet, and where they need to be. For some students, this makes the school day feel more complicated. Ninth-grader Alec Harrison describes this frustration, saying, “The 8 day schedule is inconvenient for me because I can’t memorize which days I have what classes, since it’s constantly changing.”
Although the rotating schedule can give students more flexibility, its fluctuation can make it difficult for students to keep track of their daily schedules. 12th grader Camilla MacMichael stated, “Another difficulty is that it is hard to schedule meetings or appointments because it’s more difficult to figure out what your classes will be in a few weeks.”
Along with the schedule, the transition to new digital platforms, Veracross and Canvas, has changed how students access assignments, schedules, and other important school information. This switch has also received mixed reactions from students, with some questioning whether having two separate platforms is truly necessary. While Canvas provides a place for assignments and class materials, Veracross is used for more general information such as schedules or the Café’s menu, creating an extra system for students to keep track of. MacMichael suggested that the two platforms be combined. “One thing I liked about HRS connect was that all of our grades and assignments as well as tradies, absences and schedules were in the same location,” she said.
Last Spring, when these changes were announced, many students felt uncertain about adjusting to the new schedule and digital platforms. Now, students are beginning to experience both the benefits and challenges of the new systems. While the eight-day schedule has given students more flexibility with their classes and homework, it has also made planning and keeping track of classes more difficult. Similarly, Canvas and Veracross have provided new ways to organize school information, while also requiring students to manage multiple platforms. As the school year continues, students and faculty will continue adapting to these changes and finding ways to navigate the new academic structure.