Northwood students are adjusting to having less time between classes this year. The school reduced passing periods from 10 minutes to five, prompting discussion about whether the shorter transitions will make getting to class more difficult or create a more efficient school day.
The 10-minute passing periods were originally introduced to accommodate the Innovation Hub bus schedule and give students enough time to travel into town for class. The longer periods also allowed students to talk with friends, use the bathroom, or take their time getting to class.
“I feel it is a negative impact on the community,” Casey Morrissey ’27 said. “Ten minutes was plenty of time to get to class, so it allowed us to connect with people we might not see in class.”
Other students view the shorter passing periods more positively.
“I think it’s better because it gets the day over quicker,” Peter Amigh ’27 said. “I hate sitting around waiting for class to start.”
With passing periods shortened to five minutes, students must pay closer attention to the time and move more quickly between classes. Although the change gives students less time between classes, it also allows the school day to progress more quickly.
“Every year, we look at ways to improve the schedule,” Dean of Academic Affairs Mr. Simon Shergold said. “Ten minutes felt like time we were losing during the day.”
Shergold said the change may also encourage students to arrive at class on time.
“Kids now have to be more conscious of time, and we hope this will help make everyone on time for class more often,” he said.
The school has also adjusted the schedule for students traveling to the Innovation Hub. Hub classes are now followed by a Flex period or scheduled at the end of the academic day, allowing students time to travel between campus and downtown Lake Placid.
As students and teachers continue to adjust, the five-minute passing periods are becoming part of Northwood’s daily routine.