This year, school Masses were moved from block days, where there are four longer classes, to 8-period days, where there are eight shorter classes. Previously, Mass days were paired with a late start or convocation the following day to allow consistency in the schedule. Since Mass is now on eight-period days, it eliminates the problem of classes being different lengths. However, it also shortens the classes from 40 minutes to 30 minutes.
This decision was met with different opinions from both students and teachers. In a survey sent out by the Knight Errant, 67.4 percent of students surveyed said that they liked the shorter classes, but only 53.7 percent of them said they liked Mass on eight-period days better than block days. The students who preferred Mass on block days said eight classes plus Mass was too chaotic. Overall, though, students have a preference for Mass on eight-period days. “I’d say in general I like it because we have shorter classes and the day goes by faster,” sophomore Nathan Ziehl said.
On the other hand, many teachers prefer having Mass on block days. Spanish teacher Mary Murray said originally Mass was only supposed to occur on an eight-period day if it was a holy day of obligation. However, they now commonly fall on eight-period days and it is hard for teachers to adjust to this. “Last year, there were a couple of times where they changed the schedule on us with a week’s notice or less, and when you’ve got your lesson plan set up for at least a month [ahead of time], it completely shifts everything,” Murray said.
The schedule shifts aren’t the only challenge. When classes are 10 minutes shorter than they are supposed to be, sometimes teachers are not able to get through everything they need to. This is especially true in AP classes where students need to get through a set amount of material in order to be prepared for the AP exam. “Sometimes students end up getting the byproduct of that, which is double [the work], or you have to study for a test and you have a project. We’re doubling up because we have to do something to get through the material,” Murray said.
Sometimes students end up getting the byproduct of that, which is double [the work], or you have to study for a test and you have a project. We’re doubling up because we have to do something to get through the material.
— Mary Murray
Most teachers agree with Murray and believe it would be most helpful for Mass to occur on block days paired with a late start the next day. The students don’t have to plan daily lessons so they get the benefits of shorter classes, but consequently, sometimes have more homework. The teachers have to adjust their schedules and make the most of the short class time they have. “So even if I had advanced notice of it, it’s not in my opinion conducive to have an eight-period day Mass day,” Murray said.