A common debate that students and teachers often talk about is whether or not Hillsborough should switch to the block schedule instead of the traditional schedule. Many schools have been changing to this in New Jersey such as South Brunswick, Montgomery, and Hunterdon Central. The block schedule is becoming more popular in school systems and has a lot more pros to it than the regular schedule. 

There are typically two types of block schedules. One includes an A and B day, where half of each students’ classes are on the A, and the other half is on the B. For this type, there would only be four classes each day, so they would each be an hour and a half.  The other type of block schedule would be a rotation of classes. Each student would have six of his or her eight classes a day, and every day of the week they would change. A few years back, the Hillsborough Board of Education had discussed adopting this type of schedule but never followed through. 

However, if Hillsborough did adjust to this type of schedule, there would be a lot of benefits. Lunches are a major problem for the current schedule. They are only twenty-five minutes long, and for those who buy, sometimes the line is so long that they only get fifteen minutes with which to consume lunch. It also leaves little time to socialize and hang out with friends. With a block schedule, the lunch is extended, which gives a longer break for both students and teachers. In addition, it would allow seniors to be able to go off-campus and get any food they want since there would be more than enough time for them not to feel rushed.

There would also be less stress for students and teachers. By not having every class every day, it would give teachers more time to prepare to have a quality lesson. Students would not have to deal with the stress of having multiple quizzes and tests on one day, which happens quite often here. They would be able to focus more on each individual test or subject when studying which would result in better grades. Students would not have homework for every class each night either which would allow them to have more time to get their work and projects done. High schoolers always have a lot on their minds since they have so many classes each day, but with a block schedule, this stress would not occur. 

Another common issue with the regular bell schedule is that first period classes are often lacking in energy, and the tenth period is always extremely hyper. With a block schedule, it would not be the same class every morning, and it wouldn’t be the same class at the end of the day. This would help both teachers and students because the same group of kids are not going to be tired for their first class, or amped up for their last class.

The change in class schedule would be great for students because it would get rid of the same constant pattern every day. Going to school five days a week with the same time for every class gets repetitive. If there was a block schedule, classes would happen at different times and days, which would help students be more engaged. They would have longer periods with their peers in class, making it easier to bond and form relationships. 

The change to a block schedule from a regular schedule would greatly help everybody at Hillsborough High School.