Returning from summer break, Upper School students begin the new school year with demanding schedules and new renovations.  

The transition for students from setting their own schedules to Upper School’s early start time is often a change for students. For the first part of this year, school starts at 8:50 a.m., and students say the extra 20 minutes due to the adjusted schedule smoothens the return to campus. 

“It’s actually not that bad, especially because of the morning schedule we have,” said junior Carys Diamond. 

The adjusted schedule is in place to ensure fall athletes’ safety by giving teams the chance to practice while the temperatures are manageable.  

It also means that fall athletes are not given the luxury of the late start. 

“Going from chilling in my house doing almost nothing to having to be at school at 6:15 a.m. is really an abrupt and hard change,” said freshman Ambry Jensen. “Plus, having a 12-hour day sometimes is super hard.” 

Upper School field hockey has regular practice in the mornings and High-Performance Center practice in the evenings, totaling a 12-hour day. To address this challenge that students face, the Upper School Counselor office let teachers know of this demanding circumstance, according to Jensen. 

“I have heard about that kind of schedule, and am trying to be somewhat lenient on homework,” said Upper School Latin teacher Jason Gajderowicz. 

Even though students arrive at various times the student body is fully united when classes begin, and many start the day welcomed by the new renovations in the Bernard Fulton Upper School Building. 

From fresh paint and new lockers to updated study areas, teacher offices, collaboration spaces, and the teachers lounge, the building has undergone a major transformation.  

“I think overall it’s been a sizeable improvement than before,” said senior Will O’Gorman.  

The new renovations include more spaces for student collaboration and studying. 

“I like how they’re including more space to study,” said Diamond. “I think that will be really helpful in the future when people have more homework.” 

Diamond also notes that she is eager to see the completed renovation. 

“They’re obviously not done yet so I am looking forward to seeing what other furniture and things they will put into the space,” said Diamond.