BHS Adjusting To New Block Schedule

By Lauren Dombroski, Rory Jacobson and Aryana Wilson

Over the last two years, Branford High School transitioned from an eight period day schedule to a four period day block schedule and many students have wondered if the change has been beneficial.

In an informal Instagram poll by the Branford Buzz recently, many students had mixed opinions. In the poll, 55% voted in favor of a regular 8 period day everyday and 45% voted in favor of the current block schedule.

Assistant Principal Stephanie Byrd, who oversees the schedule, said there are benefits to having the longer classes in a block schedule.

There will be a similar block schedule next year, Byrd and Principal Lee Panagoulias said, but they said there will be some slight adjustments to the actual bell schedule.

“I think the block schedule provides more opportunities for students to have higher quality experience and instruction in the classroom,” she said.

The current schedule – put into place this school year – is a modified version of a full block schedule. On Monday, all eight classes meet for 45-minute periods; the rest of the week is a block schedule with four periods meeting each day for 83 minutes. Additionally there is a 30-minute homeroom Tuesday through Friday after period one.

During last school year, the school used a similar block schedule and a hybrid learning environment, with some students remote and some students in person.

Several students, including Paige Johnson, said they prefer the 45 minute period schedule.

“Shorter classes I get more stuff done,” Johnson said. “And I focus more.”

Many students said the longer classes in the block schedule helps the learning experience.

“I think longer periods are better,” said Margot Lam. “We have more time to do homework.”

Other schools in Connecticut such as New Canaan, Darien, Norwalk, Ridgefield, Bethel, Wilton, Danbury, and Fairfield have changed to a form of block schedule similar to what is in place at Branford. 

“I hated the schedule at first, then I got used to it,” said Ajla Mehmedovic.

What do you think about the block schedule? Leave a comment or @branfordbuzz on Twitter or @bhsbuzz on Instagram.