Valid Schedule?

The MESA News Guide to Block Scheduling

By Tenzin Lhekdup

When it comes to the scheduling system here at MESA, we all are quite confused about why we switched from our standard timing and block scheduling to these ninety minute long classes. So, today we would like to dig in`to the reasoning for all of this and see why these quick switch ups have been happening so suddenly. As students, we feel that it is our obligation to figure out what is going on here at MESA and give this information publicly to all of the school.

Q1. What was the idea for the school's current ABC block schedule that we currently have today?

A1. So basically, all of this information and scheduling has been in the planning for a long time, spanning back to 2019. It had all come to teachers and how they talked about how learning had been “...hard in short periods of time” due to there not being enough time for activities and learning opportunities. With these new longer scheduling, this will allow for more interactive learning goals to happen instead of the standard tests and worksheet.

Q2. Why is Wednesday so different from every other day?

A2. When it comes to the scheduling that happens on wednesdays, it is the most accessible day for students and teachers. First, it allows for the AB schedules to be equalized, having 2 A days and 2 B days. Also, it allows for teachers to be able to recap throughout the day with only 45 minutes, and having an instructional day in between. Also, it allows for the amount of minutes in the week to be full without having longer days.

Q3. What are the positives to this schedule?

A3. First of all, one positive thing to the schedule is that it allows for college readiness within the students. This college readiness will really come in handy when college happens and the students have to adapt to the new learning environment. Also, another positive to this is that the attention span of the students will increase drastically, due to their minds being prepared for classes lasting from 45-90 minutes.

Q4. What would you like to inform students that might not understand the current scheduling system we have here at MESA at the moment?

A4. To students that might be new or not understanding with the current curriculum, there are always teachers available to help out with it. As Ms Franceze says, “so many other staff members are always able to talk to students.” Teachers are always in support of students that are confused, and it is their job to help. Processing time is key. It really takes time to understand and absorb something.

The Editor’s Takes:

Tenzin: My final thoughts are that I am very proud and surprised about the amount of time and effort that the teachers at MESA put into working with the students into creating a schedule that works for everyone.

Victoria: I personally feel like block scheduling has benefitted me and allowed me to retain more information with these longer periods. It also feels like the days are somewhat shorter when I only go to 3-4 periods a day.

Kiara: I’m neutral about our block schedules. Once you’ve gotten used to a routine over a long period of time you don’t question what you have to do because you know you have to do it regardless.

If you would like to see the full interview with Mr. Willet, Click this Link!

MESA Club Highlights

By Kiara Hernandez

Speech and Debate

The Speech and Debate club conducted by Mr. Booker Thursday afternoons, focuses on creating a safe space for students to feel comfortable expressing personal opinions. The S&D club improves students' conversational speaking skills, competitive debate, clarifying and communicating clearly. In it students have the opportunity to pick topics on National debate, competitions, icebreakers, and discuss real world topics like “Should Tiktok be banned?” Some benefits this club has is that it helps build on resumes and shows colleges what you’ve done. Many people who join can be shy and through this club it helps them become active and outspoken during discussions and improve in argumentative writing skills. Two key members in this club that you might know are Lily Shahein and Alexandra Rodriguez. I interviewed Lily and some things they are currently doing is preparing for competitions and she stated that S&D “makes persuasive people and answers or creates questions about life.” According to Mr. Booker, they want more people from any grade and as long as you're enthusiastic about arguing, speaking or just want something to do you’re welcome to join anytime!

My opinion: I honestly believe this club is good for people that genuinely want to improve at public speaking and doing anything in relation to writing and debate like the club suggests. In a school like MESA, public speaking is important, and if you’re in AP Seminar or any class that requires you to speak (which should be all of them), it's an advantageous learning environment. I would definitely be a part of this club if I had the time and I know I’d enjoy it. More people should definitely attend since most current members are Seniors or Juniors and I want to see what else they can discuss.

Spectrum Club

Facilitated by Ms.Polanco and Mr. Blake Spectrum is an LGBTQIA+ student opinionated/directed club that is to provide a safe space for students to feel comfortable expressing themselves through their sexual identities, thoughts, etc! Their desire to make changes in MESA is seen from wanting to conference with the principal about things they’ve seen in MESA that should be discussed and changes that can be made, and in the video they made to honor queer black individuals in the BHM (Black History Month) assembly. In the past, they’ve done field trips to Museums and want to go to other places in the future. According to Victoria Bertrand, a current member of Spectrum, the club exists because “We create a safe space for queer people in the school to hang out and be themselves. We do this because there are queer people that feel like they don't have a safe space so we created that safe space.” Through Spectrum, Victoria has made many friends and to them it's nice to just be open and having a safe space at school. Spectrum is every Thursday afternoon from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in room 327B.

My opinion: I’m part of Spectrum so I'm kinda biased towards it but it's actually a fun club. I hate missing out on it because of office hours but I enjoy the conversations I have with the friends I've made and the things we do. As an ally in Spectrum, there's as much to do, think and learn about in it just like any other club, like seeing people open up and talk about their identities and experiences in MESA and Spectrum and learning the importance of it in and outside of school. I hope to go more often when I have the chance and see more students in it next year.

Drama Club

The Drama club founded by Ms. Griffins and occurs in the auditorium Monday afternoons, they practice voice and movement and study diverse plays and stories. Ms. Griffins stated that she’s seen her students develop connections, build social skills and confidence, creativity and empathy. To her it's important to make her students feel and know that they’re a part of something important. Some things the Drama club wants to do going forward is go on trips to theaters, puppet work and masks and to have new and upcoming performances and plays. To be a part of the Drama club you only have to have a good attitude/energy, you don't need experience but you do need commitment. The main thing is that you don’t have to be extroverted or social, it's important to have fun while being a part of it.

My opinion: My interview with Ms. Griffins was nice, I had fun learning about the Drama club that I previously didn't know about. I'm tempted to join when I have time and see what else they do and see what types of people are in it. I think it's amazing to see performing arts in MESA as an artist. Unfortunately, like the Speech and Debate club, most members are juniors or seniors which means less people for next year, so I think i'll join it officially next year. Also, I think you’ve probably noticed how these clubs don’t have many people or people that’ll stay for long, so I hope you’ll join next year or drop by next time.

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