As the 2013-2014 school year began, many changes were made around Ritenour. One of these changes is a new schedule, and teachers and students have been adjusting to it since the first day.

Most notably, the CHAT classes have been removed from the yearly schedule. These classes used to meet twice a month, and were used to relay information about school events and graduation requirements.

“The schedule couldn’t fit anymore,” Counselor Carla Theiss said.

Sophomore Emanuel Thorpe is happy about this change, because he can spend more time in his other classes.

“I actually like the schedule changes, the Chat classes were unnecessary,” Thorpe said.

Theiss also mentioned that most of the changes that were made were brought about by a combination of input from teachers, students, and parents.

Theiss believes that one positive aspect of the change is a lack of confusion about certain classes over the course of a day. Last year, English and Social Studies courses were on block scheduling, while every other class met daily.

“I like the 7 hour changes because students aren’t confused on what day it is, and teachers get to see their students everyday. Plus it’s better for schedule purposes,” Theiss said.

Counselor Lindsey Webster said that the administration felt the new schedule would be better for the entire school. It would save the students trouble and time during passing time in the hallways.

Both Theiss and Webster said they are very satisfied with the decisions that were made, although some of the students may not agree. With schedule changes being made, there has been a lot of buzz about it.

“Yes, I am happy with the changes. It makes schedules easier and gives students more options,” Webster said.

Webster believes that maybe in the future their could be a new addition to the schedule that would help even more

“(We could add) advisory time because that would give students time for work and gives you time for things you couldn’t finish in class.” Webster said.

All the schedule changes took place over the summer, so everyone at Ritenour started the new plan together.

In addition to the improvements mentioned by Webster and Theiss, another byproduct of the schedule changes has been a clearer pathway during certain times of the day.

“It’s better that it’s only three lunch periods because it’s always so jam packed in there, that it makes a lot more space in the hallways,” Thorpe said.