For the first time in at least five years, the Santaluces daily schedule will be a 7-period day, every day. At the end of the school year, teachers voted to get rid of block scheduling. The first vote ended in a tie, but outcome of a second vote resulted in an overwhelming victory for the 7-period day. According to teacher’s contracts, they must vote to approve the day’s schedule.
Arguments for and against a 7-period day were swirling during exam week, with those in favor saying students would be able to see their teachers every day and retain more information in the 50-minute class period. Those against the 7-period day said 50 minutes is not enough time to cover lessons and allow students to practice skills and start homework. While a few high schools in Palm Beach County, including Spanish River High School in Boca Raton, are still on a 7-period day schedule, most are on block scheduling. Administrators say the biggest challenge will be during testing, when most assessments take at least 90 minutes to complete. The other wrinkle will be caused by the school’s new cafeteria and its food court. The school district requires schools to move to a three-lunch schedule in order to give students enough time to get through all the food court lines. That means 5th period’s second lunch students and teachers will have class for 20 minutes, go to lunch for 30 minutes, then go back to class for 20 minutes.
