Class of 2012- They Saved the Best for Last

^From one of L's many senior t-shirts, in an ancient font along with a Mayan symbol of some sort. A few talented, entrepreneurial students designed some awesome senior shirts this summer. They were a huge hit.

The kiddo's school went to block schedule this year. Blocking separates eight 45-minute classes per day into four 90-minute classes per day, alternating on an AB pattern. Periods 1-4 meet on A days and periods 5-8 on B days. The supposed benefits include more time for classes that really need it (like science labs, theater and music), and less teachers ($$) required... although I honestly have no idea why that is.

Having worked at a block schedule school, I'm not a fan. Every morning it was, "Is it an A day or a B day??" Kids forgetting their homework for the right classes, their gym clothes or band instrument, etc. Very confusing. They should do MWF/TR just like college. That way everyone knows what day is what.

And we had a snow day last year... omg. Completely threw off the teachers and the students. Do we skip that day or continue the AB pattern regardless of the previous designation? Such a mess.

The kids and teachers are giving it an overwhelming thumbs down so far, although block schedule is nice when you have an off period (or two like many seniors) if you took high school classes in middle school and/or extra classes in summer. For each off-period, you get a 1.5-hour block instead of 45 minutes. With only 45 minutes, you may have to stay at school and hang out in the library or something, but 1.5 hours gives you more time and freedom to leave campus. Another benefit is that all off periods are now either:

a) before or after lunch, giving you over two hours off in the middle of the day, or
b) first or last period of the day, which is nice.

I think it will get less hectic over the next few weeks, as the teachers and students figure it out and get used to it.

Patrick's Saturday Six

1. Other than your computer or anything connected to it, what object is closest to you now? 
My A&M mug with pens and pencils.

2. Extend your right arm all the way to the side: what object is your hand closest to at that moment?
trash can

3. Same exercise with your left arm: what object is your left hand closest to at that moment?
my netbook

4. What book is closest to you now?
a signed copy of Cryer's Cross by Lisa McMann (Lauren's)

5. Other than your computer, what electronic gadget is closest to you now?
iPod Shuffle

6. And now, an old-school writing question: how many pencils and pens are within reaching distance of you right this minute?
seven :-)