Northwood started “winter schedule” after Thanksgiving break. Students have their sports and other co-curricular activities in the morning before classes start at 12:30 and last until 6:15 in the evening. The schedule can be hard to adjust to, especially for students new to Northwood.
It usually takes some time before students adjust to winter schedule (Photo: Ms. Christine Ashe).
Most schools start their school days early in the morning, with sports and activities in the afternoon and evening. Northwood has a unique schedule in the winter to allow sports like hockey and skiing to have their desired time to practice and train. However, some students struggle being in school so late n the day.
Ninth grade hockey player Ryan Panico said, “I enjoy getting to practice first thing in the morning, it’s a good way to start my day. But often once it gets dark outside, I don’t have a lot of energy or motivation to finish the school day.”
Being too tired for the last few classes of the day is one of the main concerns, yet most of the students are concerned about their lack of free time. With the last class ending at 6:15 and study hall starting at 7:45, there’s not much time for students to just relax and enjoy their day.
“I had trouble getting used to the schedule,” said new soccer player Prince Loney-Bailey ‘19. “It’s something I’ve never experienced before in my life. Being in class so late is difficult, often by last period I’d rather be doing something other than being in class.”
Adjusting to winter schedule takes some time, but when students finally get used to it, they might find that they enjoy it. Returning students have come to appreciate the schedule. “I like winter schedule because I get time to study and do homework in the morning after practice,” said hockey player Jared Lambright ‘20. “Sometimes when I just want to go to sleep early at night, I don’t have to worry about sacrificing homework because I can just do it before school starts the next day,” he added.
Students have been adjusting to winter schedule over the past few weeks, and many fall into their winter rhythm around this time of year and often take advantage of the benefits of the schedule.
