Amidst the rubble and hefty construction zones surrounding WS, students and staff struggle to adjust to the problem of passing periods.
Upon the birth of Sparta, many students find themselves scurrying to their classes with the increased traveling distance caused by trailers. A prominent challenge is the minimal time students have during passing periods.
“I timed it,” said junior Vanessa Altman. “At a normal brisk walk from physics to Sparta, the bell rings before you even enter Sparta.”
Another factor affecting student punctuality is the lack of lockers that are provided. With the beginning of renovations in full swing, underclassmen are guaranteed their lockers while upperclassmen must request for the remaining available.
“Without a locker, I’m dying and slow,” said senior Michael Rogers. “My backpack weighs like 25 pounds and that’s with a small lunch.”
Students are not the only ones coming across such obstacles. For teachers in trailers, the large amount of tardiness has become a norm for their classes. Some are have trouble adjusting with how to take attendance.
“Half of my students make it on time and half of them don’t,” said Spanish teacher Anne Wynne. “I think it’s going to be very challenging on an inclement weather day.”
Unfortunately, lengthening passing periods is not a bright looking prospect. Adding more time between bells raises the issue of lengthening school days and cutting down class time.
“If the principal shortens the class, it cheats the students of instruction,” said Wynne. “I think that’s the issue.”
Some students agree that teachers in trailers are more flexible with their attendance as they are aware of their students’ struggles of crossing endless hallways and stairs to reach class. Consequently, they are also aware of some stricter principles.
“I’d say some teachers are okay with it if you’re late for a few seconds or so,” said sophomore Annike Sypher. “But they’ll count you late if you are for five minutes.”
On the other hand, other students are content with the amount of time they have to make it to class. Some lowerclassmen in particular have few trailer classes, and have minimal complaints about the seven minute passing period.
“I get to class on time,” said freshman Yuhi Choi. “I do have one trailer class on blue days, but besides that, it’s okay.”
As new Spartans, freshmen scheduling has been constructed so that they have less trouble navigating their way in a new school undergoing renovations. This leads to them having fewer trailer classes in general. Though limited passing periods pose as a great challenge, Spartans continue to do their best to improvise and work their way around a rebuilding school.
“Trying to find a class takes three minutes itself for people who are confused,” said freshman Vivian Santiago. “But once you know where your classes are, it gets easier.”