Anchor Days are a new addition to the 2023-2024 Longfellow schedule. They occur every Monday and consist of students and teachers having all seven of their classes in a single day. Some have found them to be a useful addition to the schedule, but there are just as many detractors.
“It’s been a challenge, I think, for most students in the beginning of the year and teachers as well,” said physical education teacher Stephanie Carter, adding, “I think we’re getting the hang of it.”
During anchor days, students have to change the regular path to classes which has become a challenge for many. Having to remember which class you’re heading to next has also added to halls being more crowded during transitions.
“I really don’t like them because I feel like it’s confusing and it takes too much time to figure out what your next class is and I don’t want to be late,” said 8th grade student Skye R.
Similarly, 7th grader Ellie B finds it “difficult to remember what class is next because you’re so used to the silver and blue day schedules.”
While there may be some confusion around where to go, there is also a change to how a class functions during a shorter class period.
“We don’t have enough time to finish stuff because the class is short,” said 8th grader Ava C.
While some students don’t appreciate the shortened periods, others find it to be an advantage.
“[It’s] easier to pay attention because it’s for a shorter amount of time,” said 8th grader – Jolie K. “It’s easier to learn.”
Anchor day classes are shortened to 45 minutes. In comparison to the generally 90-minute classes, students find it easier to concentrate in class.
“They go really fast because the classes are shorter and having all your classes in one day is sometimes good,” explained 8th grader Eva K.
Eva appreciates the opportunity to ask questions of all teachers at the beginning of the week rather than having to wait until the next block.
Despite these perks, the majority of the 8th grade students we talked to said that they preferred the old schedule, which didn’t include anchor days.
“I would rather go back to the old schedule because there’s not enough time for each class,” said Joey E.
Jolie described the old schedule as “more organized” and found it easier to do the homework.
Students and teachers have found many pros and cons to anchor days, overall everyone is still taking time to get used to them.
