Starting in the 2023-2024 school year, Neshaminy High School imposed a new bell schedule with new start and dismissal times. Soon after this schedule was implemented, another schedule change occurred, going into effect on Sept. 19.
Throughout Sept., NHS dismissal times varied from 2:00 to 2:15 as the rest of Neshaminy School District schools and transportation departments attempted to adjust to the schedule changes. Elementary and Middle Schools across Neshaminy faced busing delays due to NHS’s 2:15 dismissal.
In an email to parents and students of Neshaminy High School, Mr. Garstka, NHS principal, wrote, “NHS will be moving to this bell schedule to assist the district in getting all students home from school at a reasonable time.”
The most recent schedule gives students and teachers 46 minutes of instructional time, which was cut by one minute from the previous schedule. However, in comparison to last year, this time has increased by two minutes, with 44 minutes last year.
A result of both of these new schedules is that the first period begins at 7:21, compared to a 7:16 start time last year. Dismissal time moved from 2:15 to 2:05, five minutes later than the 2022-2023 year dismissal.
“[New dismissal and start times] really haven’t affected our teacher schedule a whole lot.” Bethann Snyder, NHS Special Ed History teacher, recalled.“ Our start time and end time really hasn’t changed as much as it has for the kids. ”
Homeroom remains after the first period and lasts for seven minutes, rather than 15. Passing period time decreased, giving students four minutes to get to their next class, which can be problematic for some, depending on hallway traffic and how far their next class is.
“If you have to get from Gym 3 all the way down to maybe Honors Nutrition or the Black Box, [there is] no way you’re getting there [in time],” Nana Ofosu-Mensah, NHS Sophomore explained. “There’s about 2500 kids in here.”
The students and staff of NHS have adjusted accordingly to these changes that overall prioritize learning time.
Garstka stated in an email to NHS parents and students, “We feel that this bell schedule will allow transportation to take care of our younger students while maintaining our focus on academics and instructional time. ”
