SCHOOL
SMART Block Back in ActionBY ELIZA ROSS SEPTEMBER 20, 2013
Now that school is back in action, the students’ anticipation of SMART Block has been at an all time high. SMART Block began mid-March of last school year and returned September 18.
As the word got around about how early SMART Block was going to start back this year, many have wondered why. Math teacher Tracey Moore said SMART Block started so soon this year “because we so desperately need it.” SMART Block, which is an acronym for Students Managing Academics Relationships and Time, is a seventy minute block of time in the middle of the day designed for students “to better themselves,” social studies teacher Amity Kea said. Kea has had a vital role in the promotion and implementation of SMART Block with the help of other teachers, including Moore. “I was nervous at first with how it would work, and teachers were nervous that it would be like an extra class, but it actually saves us time after school,” Kea said. “We now get to go home and spend time with our families rather than staying here until five o’clock.” Students can start or finish homework in a teacher’s classroom, make up missed work, participate in a club meeting, attend an intramural sport or socialize with friends. “I like SMART Block because I get a chance to do Zumba and have a break from school work in the middle of the day,” Senior KeAshley Best said. Other benefits of SMART Block include no interruption of classes by lunch time, opportunities for students to get extra help and fewer discipline problems in the afternoon because students are able to work off energy in the middle of the day. “SMART Block is making school not viewed as such a horrible place anymore,” Kea said. “I look forward to seeing how it will impact student growth. Not only academically, but also socially,” Principal Monica Jacobson said. SMART Block is a privilege for the students at our school and it is up to each and every student and their behavior whether it will continue or not. “This student body is an amazing group of kids and they’ll do the right thing,” Moore said. "My advice to the freshmen and those new to SMART Block would be to manage your time wisely and take advantage of the time you're given to do things that'll lessen your load at home," Senior Brent Carter said. SMART Block has taught the students of our school a lot about time management and responsibility, which will follow them through college to help each person be successful. “SMART Block is wonderful. It is Heaven on Earth.” Moore said. HTML Comment Box is loading comments...
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