Pascack Valley is undergoing a major change this school year. Rotating classes with 88-minute periods have been implemented into our schedules. Senior Lindsay Gordon explains, “The 88-minute periods this year should be interesting. I’m not sure if this Pascack schedule is going to be as great as it sounds, but I guess we’ll see tomorrow. It’s just that everyone right now is very confused and it’s definitely going to be a big adjustment.”

PV has always been eager to be a school that tries new things in order to better it’s students’ education.  The main question is what do the students and teachers think about this change?

Some students and teachers think it will be beneficial, depending on the class.  Longer class periods allow for teachers to not rush through their lessons.

History teacher Mr. Jeff Jasper said, “I am looking forward to the 88-minute periods this year.  There is great anticipation for it.  It allows us enough time to explore issues, have rather intense and far-reaching discussions, and to do some research in class with groups.  The longer periods eliminate the effort of trying to get together with group members outside of school, whether it be through Google Docs, meetings, etc.  This new Pascack schedule allows for face-to-face interaction which is very important in helping us be better with language and discussion, considering that Pascack Valley has become such a digital environment.”

After the first day of the 88-minute periods, senior Lindsay Gordon reflects on her day.

“It’s not as bad as I thought it would be,” she said. “The periods went quicker than we thought.  My teachers were understanding and planned their classes accordingly.  After the students get used to it, I think the new Pascack schedule will be fine.”

Although there are controversial opinions on this new schedule, students and teachers seem to be open to the change. Everyone seems to agree that it will definitely be an adjustment, but it is doable and can end up being very beneficial for PV.