On Mondays and Fridays there is a section of time after 2nd period called Glenbard Hour or Ram Time which can look different depending on which day it is. Approximately ⅓ of the time, students take care of administrative business such as meeting with guidance and completing surveys. The other days provide a time for students to get help they need from teachers for their classes.

The new schedule incorporates a designated time where students can use an app to sign up for help from different teachers, or just take a break.

Students and staff expressed different opinions about the change. Many staff members say they appreciate the built in time within the school day for students to get help.

Principal Antione Anderson said he is a strong advocate for having time that is dedicated to students getting the support they need.  He expressed how the scheduling structure was looked at from a standpoint of equity so all students have access to support during school regardless of transportation to and from school.

In particular Mr. Anderson said transportation and distance is an equity issue that impacts some students, especially those who reside in the northern boundaries, when it comes to being able to get help before or after school. 

“What we were trying to do is kind of level the playing field to make sure that every student regardless of where they are resided, regardless of whether their parents have a car, whether they were a bus rider or not, had the ability to get help during the day”

“I think it’s a good idea to have Ram Time because it provides opportunities during the day for students,” Anderson said.

Social Studies teacher, Dawn Chantos, explained how it really helps students and teachers get together for extra help.

“The idea of letting students choose where they need the most support and to go and seek it, is great,” she stated. “With how many students take the bus to and from school it doesn’t give them time to go and see their teachers for support,” Chantos said.

There are many different opinions on this new schedule ranging from people wanting to go back to the former schedule, a consistent 8-period day, to others who think that this type of change is a good thing for all students.

Sophomore Farzeen Ilyas expressed mixed feelings about the change. Ilyas said she leans toward seeing it as unproductive because it was a change to what she was normally used to. Ilyas said it is difficult to adjust to this change.

“I don’t think it was the best thing or worst honestly. For those that get their work done, it’s a break and for others it’s more of a study hall or help from teacher time,” said Ilyas.

According to a survey of 30 students, there were mixed opinions, and some say it is not useful.

Sophomore Anthony Vega commented on how he uses Ram Time for relaxation and as extra time to hang out with friends. He explained how he believes that the old schedule was better.

Junior Tommy Pazin said that although it is helpful, the new schedule has put him into a mindset where he knows that he can push off his work since he has Ram Time. However, overall, it does have practical benefits.

“It is nice to not have to sacrifice your lunch to take tests now. Also drills and announcements can take place during the dedicated time. It also helps people like me to have more time to do some homework if I don’t need help,” Pazin said.