Northwood students are preparing for a major schedule change as the school transitions to its winter schedule November 2nd.
Under the winter schedule, most classes will take place in the afternoon instead of the morning. The change allows the ski team to travel to Whiteface Mountain and train earlier in the day, when snow conditions may be better. It also allows the hockey, soccer and Northwood Adventure Sports teams to practice in the morning instead of after a full day of classes.
The academic schedule will vary depending on the day of the week. On Mondays, classes will run from 9 a.m. to 3:40 p.m. From Tuesdays through Thursdays, classes will begin at 12:40 p.m. and end at 5:35 p.m. On Fridays, classes will run from 12:40 to 3:45 p.m.
“I am excited to experience the winter schedule,” Charles Corriveau ’28 said. “I have never been in class later in the day, so it will be an adjustment for sure.”
The schedule is intended to give athletic teams time to practice and complete workouts in the morning while leaving the afternoons available for classes. The adjustment allows Northwood to organize its academic schedule around the demands of the winter athletic season.
“I like it a lot better,” Elliott Murch ’27 said. “I think it is nice to get practice and workout over with and not have to find energy after school.”
The change will also affect how students organize their mornings and afternoons. Students will need to adjust their routines, including when they wake up, eat breakfast and prepare for classes. While some students will travel directly to morning practices, others may have additional time before the academic day begins.
Dean of Academic Affairs Mr. Simon Shergold said the schedule seeks to balance the different needs of the Northwood community.
“I feel the schedule change is a happy medium; everyone gets a little bit of what they need,” Shergold said.
With many teams training and competing throughout the winter, moving practices to the morning allows athletes to focus on their sports without taking time away from afternoon classes.
As November 2nd approaches, students are preparing for changes to their daily routines. Although morning practices and afternoon classes may require an adjustment, the timetable will soon become part of Northwood’s routine for the winter athletic season.