New Routine: GOOD NEWS OR BAD NEWS?

Last semester, when upper schoolers at EABH received the news that their class, lunch, clubs, and sports schedules were going through a drastic change, most students reacted negatively. Often, humans don't like changes, especially when they involve their routine or when they believe they're unnecessary and feel like they don't have a voice against it. We were used to a fixed and regular schedule, which we based all our lives on. At once, the time we arrived at home, the time we started our homework, and the time of our after-school activities were going to change drastically for an indefinite time. 

Adjusting to new schedules both in and outside the school was challenging, not only for students but also for teachers. Along with that, there was no longer a clear division between White and Blue classes; everyone had mixed schedules separated from their friends. Adapting to this routine was difficult since it would affect every school day of the week for all grades. Generally, students responded negatively to these changes, and some tried to complain to staff and parents. However, the administration explained that there were specific reasons why these changes were necessary, and it was final that they would be implemented. In the past years, EABH has flourished and accommodated a large number of new students. As a result, all students were dismissed at the same time, which caused a traffic jam at the school gate that got in the way of other parents trying to get their children. The solution our school came up with was to divide schedules between lower and upper school: younger kids started and ended class earlier, while middle and upper school started and ended class later.

Thus, this narrative had a twist. Surprisingly, after experiencing the new schedule for five weeks, students began noticing its benefits: most of their sleeping schedules improved, as they could sleep more before class, and were more willing and rested for the school day, as well as increasing productivity and awareness. Additionally, the traffic jam at the school gate decreased rapidly, which allowed parents to reduce their usual stress and save time. Finally, having different schedules from our friends ended up being another positive change, as this created an opportunity for students to get to know people and collaborate with them, creating a more collaborative and welcoming work environment.

At first, most changes will appear negative and unnecessary, but we need to analyze and experience those changes before making unfair decisions and claims, whether we support them or not. Today, most students support these changes and recognize the benefits they have brought to our community so that EABH can continue to grow and flourish in a helpful way to everyone in school.