Separating Jr./Sr. high schools an instant hit among students and staff

by Eva Gucker

Less congestion in the halls, shorter lunch lines, and separate facilities-this year students at Pittsford High School and Junior High School are experiencing a very different atmosphere than in the past. Previously, Pittsford has combined the Jr. High School and High School schedule, events, and lunchtimes. By segregating the younger students from older students, improvements are made to the entire school system. Some small problems are solved as well as benefits for both sides of the student body.

PHS principal Mr. Cook initiated the change after he evaluated our situation and saw some flaws. Traffic problems in the halls during class changes and a crowded lunchroom were some of the physical problems. Mr. Cook also saw a need for students, both Jr. and Sr. High, to have their own amenities, such as assemblies, dances, and homecoming. This would also give sixth through eighth grade a “sense of identity,” said Mr. Cook. The idea was then taken to our superintendent, Mr. Shaw, who agreed to give the idea a try.

This change meant making some minor adjustments to Pittsford’s way of running things. First, classroom sites needed to be changed to accommodate the separated Jr. High. 5th Grade teachers were moved to rooms in the elementary wing. Some exclusive Jr. High teachers moved into the previous 5th and 6th grade hall, which is now the Jr. High hallway. Another minor change was the schedule. The schedule needed to give the two groups different lunch periods. Other than these small changes, Pittsford Area School is running as it always has.

Jr. High and Senior High students seem to give nothing but positive feedback about the new system. Benefits are seen by both students and faculty in both schools. This separation gives Jr. High students a chance to get used to upper education with a smoother transition. “It’s better because I can know where most of my classes are and I don’t have o fight any high schoolers,” said 7th grade student Sydney Patterson. Teachers also see the benefits for their students. “It’s nice for the Jr. High to have their own lunches and dances,” said Mr. Reiniche. Sr. High Students are given more freedoms now that the Jr. High is secluded. Students are able to get to classes easier and get through their day with less chaos. “You don’t get the annoyance of little children,” explained Mr. Cook.

Having a Jr. High here at Pittsford may seem like a small change, but it is making a difference in many ways. Pittsford Schools is making enhancements that make everyday events simpler for students and staff. This improvement will hopefully bring benefits to the school for many years.