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by Malachi Wickman
The Atlantic School Board recently approved an eight-period class day for the 2011-12 school year.
The new schedule contains many changes to Atlantic High School’s day. This year students have 55 minute classes, while next year with the added period, classes will be shortened to 44 minutes. Passing time between classes will be one minute less, but students will still have “A days” and “B days.”
Starting next year Primetime as we know it will no longer exist; instead, students will have “seminar,” which is arranged by grade and will be more structured. The seminar time is designed to help with components such as class meetings and Iowa Test of Educational Development (ITED). Seminar time will not be every day. School administrators are still discussing how often students will have seminars.
Superintendent Michael Amstein commented on the eight period day saying, “It allows us to continue the electives we currently have and to look at some additional opportunities.” He also said, “I think it’s a win-win for the students and for the school.”
Some students in Atlantic High School have a slightly different opinion of the change.
Logan Steffens gives his idea of the change saying, “I’m not in favor of it, but I think it’s a good idea over all.”
The administrators and the school board see this as a positive move. With the new physical educational requirements required by state law, the school staff didn’t want to limit the electives the students are able to take.
Students willo be required to take at least six classes and physical education (PE) each semester. Weight training will no longer be counted as a PE class but will still be offered as an elective.
Even with all of the changes happening for next year, some things will stay the same. Seniors will still be able to have open first or seventh period if they have all requirements met. Most of the classes offered will still be the same.
Heather McKay, Atlantic High School’s principal, commented, “I’m really appreciative of all the work people have put into it, and relieved that students won’t miss out on elective opportunities.”
aaron buboltz • Mar 29, 2011 at 7:41 am
will it be open 7th or open 8th??
Josh Schorle • Feb 3, 2011 at 9:38 am
Well, the 8 period day sounds reasonable in order to get the required credits. However, I am not liking that weights will no longer be counted as a PE class and I will also miss having Primetime.
Beverly Schelling • Feb 1, 2011 at 8:32 pm
The last district in which I taught had an 8 period day and it worked very well. I am glad that our district has decided to lengthen the school day and move to an 8 period day that will better meet the needs of the students.
Mrs. Leon Hoegh • Jan 29, 2011 at 9:27 am
A very informative article. I wonder what instructors think of a 44 minute class period. It seems very short to me. What are A days and B days? It sounds as if the new PE requirements would have eliminated electives. For that reason, I think the switch from Primetime to seminars sounds reasonable.