That’s right. This year Alliance High School is experimenting with a new idea, to provide floating study halls for freshman and sophomores. Many students and teachers are baffled about this new class feature and wondering if it will succeed. Freshman English teacher Mrs. Jill Hoesing has already worked with floating study halls in her previous school, Laurel-Concord/Coleridge, but for other teachers and students, this will be a whole new experience. Mrs. Hoesings says, “Floating study halls at my old school were very successful and I am not saying that just as a teacher, but as a parent as well.”
There are many questions floating around about the logistics of this new arrangement, but the basics are as follows: each freshman and sophomore level core class will morph into a study hall on certain days of the week. During “White” week floating study halls will be held Monday through Thursday and will “float” from first period to fourth period. The following week, “Blue” week, study halls will be held fifth through eight periods. There will never be a study hall on Friday, because of the no homework on Friday policy, except in the case of a short week, due to holidays or other conflicts; in that case, study halls will be held on Friday.
The new floating study hall idea, according to Mrs. Hoesing, provides a great time for students to be able to connect with teachers and to get help with missing lessons and assignments. It is also a time for students to finish homework for other classes, if they have nothing to do for the class hosting study hall that particular day. Another benefit for students is the opportunity to receive more high school credits each year because they are able to take eight classes instead of seven.
“Dr. Dan Hoesing, AHS Superintendent brought the floating study hall idea to our attention,” said Mickey Carlson, AHS Vice Principal. “It is used in several schools across the state. We just brainstormed ideas, wondered if this arrangement would work for our school, and decided to try it”.
A downside of having floating study halls, according to math instructor Mr. Dave Sautter, is that, “Teachers with more than one section of a particular course will have difficultly keeping them all on the same plan schedule because they will each have study hall on different days.” Although he added, “ It could be a good review time for students.” Many other teachers also believe this change could be positive because they believe students will be using their study hall time more wisely, to get caught up on assignments or seek to individual help, and teachers can review previously taught concepts.
The opinion of students, however, is mixed. One student, sophomore Roger Bunnel, who is registered for several junior and senior level classes, says, “ I personally dislike floating study halls because out of eight classes I only have four that ever become a floating study hall. When with a regular study hall, I would have a study hall every day no matter what. And that would really help me with my school work.” However, sophomore Brianna Ridenour says, “Floating study halls will be a good time to catch up with work from other classes. It’s also very helpful if you are in a school activity sport or if you have a job.”
Floating study halls are new to everyone and will definitely take some getting used too. Only time will tell if the plan will be successful.
