Martin answers questions about 4-period block

by Kathy Domgard

Larger classes and a reduction in electives were two of the concerns voiced by teachers during meetings on Tuesday, where FHS Principal Gary Martin responded to questions on the proposed four-period block schedule for the 1998-99 school year.

The proposed block schedule consists of four classes one semester and four classes the following semester. Students would be limited to only one or two electives per year, due to the lack of room in their schedules. Present semester classes will remain semester classes with the new schedule.

In order to accommodate the new schedule, class sizes would increase by two to five students per class, according to Martin. Teachers worry about the increase because most of their classes are full.

“A four-period day would seriously limit opportunities,” said music and guitar teacher Matt Vanzini. “Students would have less choices.”

Some FHS faculty members said they were concerned with the lack of details and concrete answers they received about the plan. Martin said part of the problem arose because he had yet to meet with District 5 Superintendent Alan Hafer regarding details of the schedule.

Said math teacher Karen Longhart: “When we’ve wanted more specifics we haven’t gotten any specifics — nothing.”

The four-period day would make each class around 90 minutes long, compared to the present schedule of classes running 55 minutes. Over a year’s time, students would lose an estimated 2,184 minutes to learn the same amount of material they learn now, which calculates to about 38 less classes students will take with the four-period day.

“I’m concerned about how much less time there will be for each teacher to teach a year’s worth curriculum in a semester,” said Wilene Bridger, a parent who attended Tuesday’s afternoon meeting. “They should maintain the scope and sequence of the classes offered now or add to it, not take away.”

Martin acknowledged the loss of time but said he felt that time will be a problem with any schedule.

“In this world you can’t borrow, save or buy time,” said Martin. “The biggest enemy educators face is time.”

Although there is controversy over the issue of a four-period day, the faculty and administration agree that whatever schedule surfaces as a possibility for next year, the best interests of students should be kept in mind.

“What we also need to address are the needs of all of our students,” said Martin. “What we’re looking at is teaching to different learning styles of the students and the four-period day will help with that.”

Martin, Hafer and Vice Principal Peter Fusaro all are in favor of the four-period day. Instead of focusing on the negatives of the schedule, Martin said he focuses on the positive side.

“Every schedule has flaws,” said Martin. “I have a strong belief that the teachers make for good education, not a specific schedule”

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