PTHS Students And Staff Share Mixed Opinions On New Bell Schedule

PEQUANNOCK TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL - As the third marking period concludes at PTHS, students and staff share mixed opinions on the new schedule, which drops and rotates classes each day.

“This schedule is chaotic. It has a few benefits; however, it seems like we are always doing our best to just catch up,” stated an anonymous PTHS teacher. “I personally prefer the consistency of our previous schedule. There is something to be said for seeing your students every day, both academically and culturally.” 

Despite this, many students prefer the new bell schedule over the previous one. “I like the new schedule better because I don’t always have the same classes at the same times every day. I like the way the new schedule mixes the days up compared to last year,” added PTHS student Matthew Gonzales. 

The bell schedule introduced for the 2024-2025 school year removes midterm tests from the school’s curriculum. It also introduced a later start time, which aims to improve students' attitude towards school as well as their overall performance. 

One more key aspect of the new bell schedule is the Panther Period that allows students to receive extra help, make up work, or take time to catch up in any class after school. This period lasts from 2:46 pm until 3:04 pm and provides students with extra time to make sure they are prepared to be successful throughout their 

academic career. 

With the addition of many factors that students say help improve their preparation and performance in school like test prep, in-school review, and more, the new and improved bell schedule, as well as all of its benefits, is on schedule to stay in play for years to come at PTHS. 

Even though some feel negative towards the new schedule, the school board and administration continue to have a positive attitude about it and look forward to keeping it in the future.