New hybrid schedule garners mixed feelings from students

Cherry Creek High School

Creek’s website displays the announcement of the new schedule. The schedule was created to fix the issues of the original hybrid schedule used in first semester. Many students faced challenges with learning and keeping motivation only going to school tow days a week last semester. “I didn’t like the five days of no synchronous instruction and feedback,” said senior James Dwyer. “I really struggled with self-motivation because of it.”

Hannah Edelheit and Breanna Medel
January 5, 2021

Creek is beginning its second semester in-person with a new hybrid schedule.

Principal Ryan Silva sent out an email on Jan. 5 stating that “we will return to in-person learning the week of January 11th,” according to a decision made by Superintendent Dr. Scott Siegfried.

This schedule allocates more time for students to learn with their teachers and less time in between remote days.

“I think I prefer this schedule,” said senior Melody Nigam. “It allocates for more actual learning time with two in person classes, [with] Mondays being mandatory class time rather than ‘office hours.’”

Other students say that it’s going to be a big change and it’s going to take some time to get used to.

“I don’t really know how to feel about the new hybrid schedule. It’s definitely going to be a new dynamic to get used to for all of us,” said freshman Skylar Smith.

The new schedule is also structured to increase more “peer interaction” with a synchronous remote day on Monday that will unite both cohorts.

“I think it’s going to be easier to get more teacher feedback while not feeling lost – as well as seeing other cohort friends once a week,” said senior James Dwyer.

While students think that the schedule provides more assistance from teachers, there is some resistance about going back.

“I think this one will probably make it easier to get to know our teachers and students from the other cohort since we see them on Wednesday,” said senior Meredith Eckler. “But I do think it’s kind of irresponsible to go back to hybrid when cases are rising and most people still haven’t gotten the vaccine.”

There is some anxiety that surrounds going back to school due to the amount of cases that are still occurring.

“I have mixed feelings.” said Nigam. “On one hand I still don’t know if it’s the best idea to go back to school while COVID is still rampant. But, at the same time, I know that I learn better at school than at home – and when I go to school, I have more motivation to get my work done as well.”

There are also students who want to go back completely in person.

“I’m not completely comfortable with the new hybrid schedule. I’d rather go back full time and be a normal high school student,” said freshman Asha Tubis.

Although there are many mixed responses from students, this schedule was made to be more efficient than the previous hybrid schedule from first semester.

“This schedule is completely different from what most high schoolers are used to but I’m willing to give it a try,” said junior Angelique Medel.