Every year, students face the tough decision of picking what courses to take next year. With the implementation of a 7 period bell schedule leading to the option for students to take more classes, we, at the Galileo Press, wanted to know what courses students wanted to take and their thoughts on new electives, especially with an additional period. We also wanted to know how teachers felt about this change and what classes they hope to teach or see offered.
Junior Evan H.
“I honestly dislike the idea of having 7 periods because it would add a tremendous amount of stress that we already have. Currently, I’m considering taking AP Government, AP Calculus BC, AP Computer Science, and possibly AP Physics C. Right now, with so many decisions and uncertainty at hand I’m torn over what level of English to take. Despite this, I look forward to more electives being offered in the future like astronomy or geology.”
English teacher Ms. Gates
“Having seven periods would open up more opportunities for incoming freshmen as they are now required to take an ethnic studies course in order to graduate. An additional period would mean that they could take classes they want to take rather than having a schedule full of requirements. I do understand that having a 7th period does create some gaps for the incoming seniors. My main priorities right now though are maintaining our current roster of AP classes and electives due to budget cuts district-wide. Unfortunately, the opportunity for more electives is pretty slim and I worry that classes that students historically have signed up for won’t be offered like AP English Language & Composition and AP English Literature & Composition.”
Social Studies teacher Mr. Matawaran
“Overall, I think that the 7 period schedule would be beneficial to our students. This would hopefully be helpful to the incoming students as they could get through their requirements faster and have the opportunity to explore other subjects. I’m also hoping that our seniors won’t feel too much of an impact and that they’re able to have some free periods even though it’s not generally not favored by the administration. Despite district budget cuts, I hope to see more electives aligned towards personal finance and development for our upperclassmen.”
Junior Giovanni S.
“I think the new schedule change would have the greatest impact on the Class of 2025 as most of us have already finished or are near finishing all our graduation requirements. Having an additional period would add more stress on the students and teachers because of even more work and curriculum despite new electives opening up opportunities.”
Freshman Maya M.
“Personally, I would like to take Spanish or AP Biology in addition to AP World History, JROTC and other classes. With this new schedule, the possibility of me taking more electives like orchestra, guitar, and photography is increased, giving me more opportunities to explore other subjects.”
Sophomore Hannah C.
“I love the possibility of new electives and really hope we’re able to keep all of them. I would like to stick with my plans to take AP Chemistry, AP Chinese, AP Environmental Science, AP Language and Composition, and the Biotech Pathway.”
Freshman Isaac M.
“Next year, with a 7th period, I would take the Algebra 2 and Precalculus compression class, AP World, AP Chemistry, Ethnic Studies Honors, AVID, and continue JROTC. I do like the chance for more electives to be added, as you’re able to learn about more subjects and you can get more credits rapidly if you try your hardest in each class.”
Sophomore Vicky L.
“I think that having a 7th period would really benefit some people, while also being more stressful for others. Personally, I like how I now have the opportunity to take advantage of how many courses I can take and credits I can receive. But also, it could put more work on me, especially during a stressful junior year. The possibility of new electives being added in the future is good as well, and it is a better alternative to cutting electives without any new ones being brought in.”
Freshman Roger W.
“Since all classes are already an hour, I feel that adding another period would make it more difficult to get work done. I also usually get all my work done in class, so having multiple classes with less time would lead me to take on more work outside of class. Having more electives would be nice though, even with more periods.”
