Block days were a unique addition to this school year, and the system has gotten mixed reviews from both students and teachers alike. Although it took some getting used to, the benefits are beginning to shine through.
The block days at Windsor were introduced at the beginning of the 2023-24 school year. On Wednesday and Thursday of each week, the students have four 90 minute class periods.
On Thursdays, there is an eighth hour period. Eighth hour can often provide extra planning time for teachers and extra time for students to get work done.
On these days, juniors and seniors (in good academic standing) are allowed to leave after the sixth hour. Freshmen have a class called “Freshmen 101” and sophomores are assigned a classroom for guided study.
The block days have many benefits for the students and staff. With this system, teachers have more leeway in their class plans. For example, students in chemistry labs, cooking classes, or ceramics are able to complete projects in one day. This allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the subject since they aren’t spending half of class doing prep or cleanup for the activity. Teachers say that they’ve seen more engagement during class time and it’s been especially beneficial to the students who may need extra help or alternative teaching methods.
Overall, the staff is very supportive of the block schedule and the added on eighth hour, it gives them the workday to collaborate with their colleagues and the appreciation goes toward the time given during school rather than being after school.
One thing that has been popular among students is leaving early.
“If kids are on track to graduate and they’re responsible, with no discipline, I’m fine with them going home early one day a week. I’m in full support. We have a high population of student bodies who work, but at the end of the day it’s not about the kids leaving, it’s about the kids who are here,” Montgomery said.
She also feels that Freshman 101 is very important.
Montgomery said, “It’s so important at that freshman level to make that connection…Fostering connection is one of our biggest goals, it’s so important for students to feel like they belong.”
With this being the first year with this system, there will likely be some changes for the 2024-25 school year.
“For the sophomores, juniors and seniors, that’s not changing. I like that and I think that that’s a good thing. If you’re on track to graduate and have no discipline, I’m in full support of a guided study off campus,” Montgomery said. “The system definitely has some kinks that need to be worked out; we will continue to adjust for the upcoming school year as we consider advice from faculty and students.”
