Spartan Day return for 2021-22 school year

PA  decided to keep Spartan Days—Mondays where all eight classes convene for 44 minutes periods—in the weekly schedule for the 2021-22 school year. 

The decision was made at a summer meeting of the Pembroke Academy Leadership Team (PALT) where the team decided unanimously to keep Spartan Days in the school schedule, said headmaster Dr. Morris. 

Before arriving at their decision, the PALT surveyed faculty and staff on whether or not they wished to continue Spartan Days, with the majority in favor of the idea. 

While the survey was not the only factor in the decision, Dr. Morris said that it did influence it.

“It’s important that teachers have access to their students as many times a week as they can,” said Dr. Morris.

Social studies teacher Ms. Doyle said she has mixed feelings toward Spartan Days.

“I understand their [Spartan Days] purpose. I do like being able to see my students at the beginning of each week. However, they are exhausting,” she said, adding that her preference was to keep Spartan Days in the schedule.

However, despite the support from some faculty, Spartan Days still remain an item of contention at PA.

“They knock me out,” said science teacher Ms. Muller. “I feel like I’ve been hit by a train by the end of the day. If I had a magic wand, I would go back to the 4X4 schedule.”

Science teacher Mr. Berdeen agrees that Spartan Days should be removed. 

“I do not like them ,” he said . “For the kids that I’m teaching, there are too many transitions. Like Mrs. Muller, I’m exhausted by the time they’re over.”

It’s not only members of the faculty who are down on Spartan Days, students like junior Xander Noel were also against their return.

“I don’t like Spartan Days. They just feel like they drag on, and you don’t get enough time with your teachers,” said Noel .

Dr. Morris, however, said that he hasn’t ruled out the possible idea of a future return to  the four-block schedule, thus the elimination of Spartan Days.