Midterm exam week at Scarborough High School is here once again, but this year it can be seen in a different light. Not that I have ever looked forward to midterm week, but this year is especially undelightful. Rather than have half days with two exams scheduled per day, this year we have two exams, plus two class periods after the exams. I don’t know about you, but after three hours of testing, I’m not ready to endure two more hours of class time.

Not only are students upset about the new midterm schedule, but so are the teachers. They are still expected to have all their exams graded by the end of the week, even though they have to hold class for the normal amount of school hours. How lovely.

Honestly, I’m not sure who the superintendent thought this new midterm schedule would benefit, but I know that I am in for an exhausting week, as are my fellow students – and my teachers. I have heard rumors of the middle school teachers complaining, because we at the high school were getting half days and they still had full days. Well, guess what? The middle school teachers don’t have to make up several different exams and then grade them by the end of the week.

So maybe by having full school days during midterms, we get out earlier in the summer? No. We’re still getting out in mid-June. It seems like we’ve become obsessed with having more school days. Well, just because we spend more time in the classroom doesn’t mean the time will be used effectively.

I’m not entirely sure why the midterms were changed, but I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one who is unhappy with the decision.

Jessica Hews

Junior, Scarborough High School