Semester finishes early with December finals
by JULIECE LOSOYA
Changes to the 2016-2017 calendar were announced earlier this year, but this month students are experiencing the effects of those changes.
For the first time in school history, first semester finals will be held Dec. 13-15, with the semester ending Dec. 16 rather than in February.
“I don’t think this new schedule gives anyone time to study,” said Cindel Lopez, senior. “Everything feels so crammed together; with winter break, we would have enough time to study.”
Because of these changes, many teachers have also had to make changes to accommodate the new schedule.
Finals week schedule
“I rearranged the order of the required reading and condensed lectures or group projects in order to meet the time restraints,” said Jacqueline Montanez, English teacher. “I am cognizant that time is running out, and I have deadlines to meet.”
Finals for periods one and two will be Dec. 13, periods three and four will be Dec. 14 while periods five and six will be Dec. 15.
On the days of final exams, school will begin at regular time and end at 12:20 p.m. Each period consists of two hours, with a 15-minute nutrition break. Lunch is available to students after school in the location of the burger line.
Teachers will submit grades Dec. 16, and students will receive report cards either the first or second week of January during break.
“You don’t have to spend your whole winter break stressing and studying over finals. There have been times when I wanted to spend time with my family, but I’ve had to stay in for school. I think this is a good change,” said Jessica Nora, senior.
Winter break will be from Dec. 17 to Jan. 8. Second semester will begin Jan. 9, when students will report to their current first period to receive their second-semester schedules.