March Madness

Typically the month of March feels like a slow progression toward spring because there are no scheduled days off from school and the only holiday is the unofficial date when everyone celebrates their Irish heritage whether or not their families ever came from the Emerald Isle.  The days start off cold and dark and by the end we are about thinking about spring weather and longer days.  This type of change is significant, but we come to rely on our experience that although the transition may be challenging, the change is worth the wait.  We are about to begin our transition to change at BMHS.  The first is our scheduling procedure.  We are transitioning to a complete on-line experience in an effort to expedite the process, ensuring our students and staff have a completed schedule before the end of the school year.  The second is the schedule itself.  We will be transitioning to a 5-day schedule versus a 7-day schedule.  The impetus for the change was a review and evaluation process of our current practice, culminating in the plan to implement a new schedule for the fall of 2014.  Our students will have the ability to enroll in 8 classes, opening up the opportunity to access additional electives.  Each class will meet three times a week.  Every class will meet on Monday for approximately 45 minutes and then either Tuesday and Thursday, or Wednesday and Friday.  Classes that meet Tuesday-Friday will be approximately 90 minutes.  The longer periods Tuesday-Friday will allow our students to focus on the depth of their learning and experience different approaches to demonstrate their understanding.  We currently have three courses taught in an extended block (Engineering, Geometry/Algebra II, and the American Experience).  These teachers along with additional supports will be utilized to support our teachers during this transition.  Class meetings will be taking place over the next two weeks to introduce the schedule, Program of Studies, and answer any questions.

Think warm thoughts.

Tom