If you’re like me, you probably had no idea that OA was planning to entirely switch our schedule for next year. Until now. I will be working with Mrs. Cavanaugh to keep the students of our school updated as these changes come about.
I met and emailed with Mrs. Cavanaugh, and asked her questions that I could relay onto The Daily Olivian to share with the school, including why she wants to change the schedule. She really would like to input time in the schedule for students to get academic support from teachers if they so desire.
Last year, there was a committee of faculty members put together, with Mrs. Sweeney and Mrs. Campbell as leaders, to look at our current schedule and compare it to other districts in the area to see what options we have to incorporate into our day. The goals so far are to allow time in your week to make up tests and get enrichment from your chosen teachers, and also to keep things the students like such as drop blocks.
When asked about the downsides to the change, Mrs. Cavanaugh said, “We will continue to get feedback throughout next year on how the schedule is working for staff and students. We can always make adjustments if needed at the end of the year. Many school districts have made adjustments to their schedule to find what works best for them,”.
Student opinions are one of the most influential voices in this decision. Mrs. Cavanaugh said she will be hosting “feedback forums” for all students to get their voices heard. “The feedback forums on the potential schedule changes will be open to all students. We are going to host them during the lunch block so that anyone can come eat their lunch with us and provide feedback,” she says.
So, if there’s anything you really don’t want to change, or really want changed, make sure to have your voice be heard!
The schedule will be input when we start the 2024-2025 school year in September. The process is unclear, but at some point soon there will be a survey sent out to students to get an initial grasp on what we as a body like and don’t like, and any other information admin may need. Prior to this year, a group of faculty members visited schools in the area and saw their schedule, meeting with students, admin, and faculty members to see what they think. They then reviewed their options that would work best for OA. That’s where we’re at right now.
There are many more changes to come, and I will keep you posted as best as I can!