Block Schedule Changes Not Affecting Early Graduates

Although future Orioles will have the block schedule credit changes when considering early graduation, the current senior graduates’ final days in HUHS draw near with the end of the semester.

With the block schedule being implemented next year, the early graduation process is still being discussed by the school board. In the process now, the plans for credit changes throws a wrench into the current underclassmen’s plans, despite the change being gradual.

Student counselor David Lynch expresses the need for this change to be gradual.

“[The school board is] adding credits each year. It’s going to be focusing on what the incoming freshman next year will have when they finish. You can’t just jump up to 28 credits for next year juniors, because they didn’t have as many classes freshman and sophomore year,” Lynch said.

According to the December update HUHS learning plan video sent out by superintendent Jeff Walters, the class of 2022 will only require 25 credits for graduation, as opposed to the 24 credits of this year. For the class of 2025, a regular diploma will require 28.5 credits, with the honors diploma requiring 32.

Lynch, despite the changes creating some uncertainty, acknowledges that the extra time the block schedule creates is a great opportunity for the students.

“It may be easier or more challenging to get the courses in that you need. A block schedule does allow for more classes to be taken; however it’s still hard to predict,” Lynch said. “We offer courses in almost everything and it’s a great way to get more training for future jobs, experiencing different apprenticeship programs, and exploring different careers while still in high school.”

Despite these opportunities, sometimes taking a different path is necessary.

“The decision to graduate early is completely personalized. If given a choice, I prefer when a student stays the full 4 years. But I understand that sometimes other factors play into it, so the decision to leave early is a valid one,” Lynch said.

One of the 49 early graduates, senior Jenna Mann is ready to be done with the worry and stress of this year.

“I don’t trust myself to not get senioritis,” Mann said. “I also don’t want to worry about covid and online school doesn’t work very well for me.”

Especially this year, with online classes and no senior incentives or activities to stay for, leaving early doesn’t sound too bad.

“I did have some second thoughts about maybe finishing out the year because I didn’t want to miss out on anything,” Mann said. “Since covid case rates haven’t gone down, I figured none of the events I would want to attend will even happen anymore this year. Maybe if we still had senior classic or normal sports events I would reconsider.”

Mann plans on working full time, and maybe picking up a second job with her time out of school. Saving up for college, beginning in the fall of 2021, is her number one priority.

Lynch stresses the importance of having a plan with the extra time the graduates will be having.

“When students don't have a set plan, they often find that their friends are going to be in school all day. They’re stuck at home, waiting until 3. Or their job doesn't give anymore hours,” Lynch said.

“I personally don't see the point in it, since you're only a teenager for so long before you have to go off to college or the workforce so it's better to cherish and hold onto these last few moments of high school and being a teenager while you can, rather than rushing the process by graduating early,” Arvidson said. “However, I know some people want a jumpstart into their studies and careers so graduating early may be beneficial for them.”