Through a survey that was sent by Interim Principal, Mr. Panjabi, results show that 85% of Galileo’s staff dislike the 2023-2024 bell schedule, largely due to the 30 minute periods on Wednesdays and Thursdays. This prompts for meetings and feedback from staff in order to determine a new schedule for next year.
This year’s bell schedule was decided at the last minute since the schedule that many preferred was denied. Teachers claim that the 30 minute periods leave no time to teach and many say that they aren’t sure what to do for those 30 minutes. Furthermore, the 75 minute periods also leave not enough time for science teachers to complete their labs.
Ms. Franzen, the AP Environmental Science teacher, states that she had to cut out many field trips because of the bell schedule. Junior Angela D. says, “This year’s bell schedule is inconsistent. I dislike it.” Sara C. agrees and adds, “I hope the new schedule will be similar to last year’s schedule, where there were two block days.”
There are many parameters that the new bell schedule has to meet. Some include a total of 64,000 instructional minutes per school year, school starting at 8:40, and early release days being on Wednesday. The staff of Galileo favors block periods and no 30 minute periods. However, if block periods are implemented on Wednesdays and Thursdays, there would be extra time on Thursday. This extra time has to allow students to be productive but teachers cannot teach an additional class as is not allowed.
Other possibilities such as a 7 period day, Advisory, and the return of SSR were discussed in meetings. With a 7 period day, teachers would teach 5 classes, have a prep, and also have a period for common planning time. Though, it was also mentioned that teachers would have less time with students and students would have a greater workload.
So far, the new bell schedule is still in progress as Mr. Panjabi, his supervisor, and Galileo staff are continuing their meetings on planning and producing models of possible bell schedules.
“Ideally, I would like to decide by March,” Mr. Panjabi shares.
