By Tiffany Mason
Everyday is not the same for R.C.H.S freshmen.
Throughout 2008-09, A/B scheduling is in effect for the Freshmen Academy, which means that 9th graders are on a new, experimental plan that sees them go to different classes on alternating days. For example, an R.C.H.S. freshman student may have math during second block on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday while going to science class during first block on Tuesday and Thursday. The following week, the order would be reversed so that each class will have been attended five times in every two week period.
The Freshman Academy schedule is the result of the school’s investigation into scheduling alternatives, which began before last year. In the end, it was decided that the A/B format would be tried in Freshman Academy as a way to judge how well the system might work for the entire school. Meanwhile, according to Mrs. Mattingly, the system is offering freshmen advantages over last year’s mixed block system.
R.C.H.S. principal Jennifer Mattingly has said that the Rock will be seriously looking into new ideas about scheduling, and the use of A/B for freshman is a part of that process. According to Mrs. Mattingly, R.C.H.S. has been on a four period "block" schedule since 1994, and it may be time to look for other ways to manage the school day. "Let’s try it and see if it works," she said.
She is hoping that the schedule change will have a positive effect on the test scores here at RCHS.
The A/B system has met with mixed emotions from freshmen as they get used to the new schedule. While many things may be learned from trying out a new system, Mrs. Mattingly admits that the A/B approach is not perfect. "If there are aspects of the scheduling that cause problems for some students," Mrs. Mattingly said, "that is something that can be related to me, because pretty much everything that happens at R.C.H.S. is my responsibility; blame it all on me." But, of course, others have had a say in the decision to adjust the Freshman Academy schedule, and the S.B.D.M. had to okay the decision.
As for the future, Mrs. Mattingly is very clear. "There will be a change." Mrs. Mattingly stated. The school wants to see how successful A/B schedule is with the freshmen, before they take an action with the whole school. Whether we go to an A/B type schedule or something else, R.C.H.S. will be facing change soon.