Preparing her students to speak French outside of the classroom is one of Katie Street’s goals for next year during Highlander Time.
“I’d like to start a French conversation group where my students can just start speaking outside of the context of class,” Streets, a French teacher, said.
Another idea she has for Highlander Time is a French movie club, where students would be able to watch French movies and discuss them afterward.
Baldwin High School’s Highlander Time, previously called Academic Resource Time, will be new next year as part of the changed bell schedule with blocked classes.
At the beginning of every week, students will be able to choose where they want to go during Highlander Time. Each day will have two blocked classes in the morning and two in the afternoon.
In between will be the hour-long Highlander Time, where students will have 30 minutes for lunch and 30 minutes for a Highlander Time activity. However, if a student does not want to take lunch, they do not have to and can schedule two different Highlander time activities. Assistant Principal Brandon Whitfield said.
Whitfield thinks students will be excited for Highlander Time because they can do something they enjoy during school. It will also offer students a chance to get help in their classes.
“I think it’s also going to be a great time for students to get support with their academics,” Whitfield said.
Teachers are considering several possible offerings. There could be college admission and scholarship essay prep hosted by English and gifted teacher Krystal Schulte, and SAT prep with information technology teacher Shantal Baldensburger.
“We’re just trying to find something for everyone at that time,” Whitfield said.
One of the largest benefits of the new Highlander Time will be that clubs will be able to hold some meetings during the school day. That way, students who do not have a ride home after school will be able to participate.
“We are looking to put Mini-THON meetings during the Highlander Time next year. Our goal is that hopefully we can reach some of those students who cannot stay after school but would like to be involved,” Rachel Murrman, co-sponsor of Mini-THON, said.
Other teachers plan to use this time to give students more time on assignments.
“This time will allow me to keep my students on track with their projects and also offer kids who don’t have the class to come and make simple projects,” Virginia Pfatteicher, fashion design and preschool teacher, said.
Another benefit is that Highlander Time will be right after Steel Center’s morning tech instruction, and before those students start their Baldwin classes in the afternoon.
“It’s nice to have the time because we will get a break before actual school starts to get caught up on our work,” said Paige Giglione, who will be attending Steel Center next year.
