A New School Year, A New Schedule

As students arrive back on campus, they are handed a brand-new schedule that matches COVID-19 regulations. Unlike the original day one to day four schedule with four blocks per day, the new schedule follows a five-day format along with other major adjustments. Thus, both on-campus and virtual students and teachers have been slowly adapting to this drastic and confusing schedule.

Due to COVID-19, large groups of students have to be separated to comply with social distancing guidelines. The most approachable solution to this issue is to minimize the number of students in each classroom and separate groups of students across the week. For instance, juniors only need to come to school on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, while they stay at home on Mondays and Fridays for virtual learning.

One particular change in the schedule is Wednesdays, which are now dedicated to clubs and activities as well as College Counseling, Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge blocks for IB upperclassmen. Block 1, 2, and 5 require mandatory club participation from all students.

Also, daily check-in times have been implemented into the schedule. For on-campus days, students have to go to their homeroom classes twice per day—once in the morning and once after lunch (during work/meeting time block). Teachers are in charge of checking each student’s temperature to ensure that they are not at risk for catching the COVID-19 virus.

Junior Jami R. discussed her opinion of the schedule change. “Although I found the schedule quite confusing at first, I was able to adapt by using my time more wisely (as we have more free blocks) and finish up my work in-between classes.”

Another junior, Vikisha G., expressed concern towards the new schedule. “I still find it very confusing—I went to the wrong classes and I’m still not accustomed to the five-block-per-day format. However, I’m very grateful that we have hybrid learning this year, so I can allocate my time between online and on-site classes.”

Activities and Athletics Director Mr. Kydd shared his insight on creating the new schedule, as he—along with AISG’s administrative team—were a part of the decision-making process for the new schedule. “We thought about how we could offer all the great things that we offer in the past. Back in June, we decided that the best way for us to offer what we offer and maintain that in a time of uncertainty was to build into the calendar.”

He elaborated on scheduling conflicts, especially for student coordinators that had multiple clubs in overlapping blocks. “We listened and we made adjustments to the initial plan, which I think helps out majority of the students, but not everyone. It’s impossible. I think the key is to make sure that you’re learning—you make decisions that best meet the needs of your learning community and not as individuals.”

Lastly, Mr. Kydd responded to students’ high anticipation for returning to the original schedule. “You know, based on the information that I have at this point time, I would say that you have people who are starting to get their paperwork done and they’re starting to come back [from overseas]. They’re in the process of the visa work and booking flights. I would hope that by the second semester that the regular schedules are back, but it could be sooner.”

For now, students and teachers will have to adapt to the new schedule during these difficult times. Each individual, whether on-site or online, have to understand that the school is doing its best to provide a wide range of activities while complying to COVID-19 regulations. In conclusion, it is important to slowly adjust to the new schedule despite its imperfections.