Proposition Bob (The New Schedule)

by Nina Goldman

Last Friday, a change came to the Bronxville High School: the lunch period was lengthened by roughly five minutes! At the beginning of the school year it had been shortened, giving rise to a steady stream of complaints. After months of grumbling, from students and teachers alike, SFL treasurer Bob Anderson took the initiative to draft a new schedule, which will continue its test run until April 1st, when a final decision will be made on whether or not to keep it for the remainder of the year.

The new schedule slightly lengthens lunch, and slightly shortens most classes. Does this appeal to students? Or is it just a hassle? Opinions are mixed. “It feels like the day goes by faster,” says junior Nora Gerson. Many students, like Nora, enjoy the schedule and the longer lunch period. Others enjoy getting out of classes earlier. In this regard, the change seems to have done its job.

On the other side of the spectrum are students who, like one anonymous student, simply “think it’s unnecessary.” The new schedule doesn’t really affect students who have frees after lunch and has only irritated and disoriented the students who feel that the previous schedule was just fine.

Some students have no problems with the schedule itself, just its implementation. Kevin Easley, a tenth grader, says, “I think they should have publicized the times [when classes start and end] more.”

Other students also expressed concern at not knowing the new schedule’s exact timing, and worried about being late to class. If too many students arrive late to D-Block classes, the older schedule may see a return.

And what do the teachers think of the new schedule and the longer lunch? For some, such as High School drama teacher Peter Royal, there is little effect. Mr. Royal also teaches Middle School, so a change in the High School schedule only would impact him in the morning.

Other teachers, however, are experiencing the difference, and savoring it. Heather Heim, an English teacher, says that she “personally likes it” and believes that, despite a few kinks, “it’ll work itself out.” She says she enjoys the chance to go into town more, which she had previously done only about four times since September. “When I first came [to work at Bronxville] we had 53 minutes for lunch,” says Heim, “It was like a different world.”

Positive comments about the schedule abound, and most students and teachers seem to support it, even those who admit that they “don’t know what to do with a longer lunch!”