Princess Anne High School
Block Scheduling
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Guidance >"The Cavalier" Guidance News > Block Scheduling > Registration > Financial Aid >
Block Schedule
Block 1
7:20 - 8:55 a.m.
Block 2
9:02 - 10:37 a.m.
Block 3
10:44 - 12:19 p.m.
"Mini" Lunch Break
12:19 - 12:39 p.m.
Block 4
12:39 - 2:14 p.m.

A & B Days
Princess Anne High School operates on an alternating "A" and "B" day block schedule. Typically a student will take six courses, three on an "A" day, and three on a "B" day. Over a two-week period a student will attend five 95-minute classes in each subject.

"Intensified" Block Schedule
Princess Anne may be the only high school in the country that does not build their schedule around a traditional "lunch bell." Every effort is made to schedule each student's courses into blocks 1, 2, and 3. The student then has the option, with parental permission, to leave the school building at 12:19 p.m.

Students who wish to schedule 7 and even 8 courses are able to eat a "mini-lunch" (20 minutes) prior to 4th block. Under a traditional 7-bell day, students who wish to schedule 7 courses would not be able to have any lunch, and would not even have the opportunity to schedule an 8th course.

In addition, many students opt to stay for 4th block for tutoring help, athletic study hall, computer lab, etc.

History of the Block at PAHS
Princess Anne began block scheduling during the 1994-95 school year. During that year the 3rd and 4th blocks were broken into a 45 minute lunch and 45 minute study block.

A fire just prior to the start of the 1995-96 school year forced the school to move into a vacant mall (Celebration Station). There was no cafeteria, and the administration was forced to adjust most student schedules into blocks 1, 2, and 3. Ten minute intervals between blocks were scheduled to allow for snacks in the absence of lunch. This was the birth of the "Intensified Block" at Princess Anne High School.

This schedule worked so well academically, and was so well received by faculty, parents, and students (confirmed through surveys), that the school board approved the continuation of the "Intensified Block Schedule."

Advantages of Block Scheduling:

  • Teachers are able to use a variety of classroom activities.
  • Teachers and/or students are able to complete activities in one block without having to carry over to the next day.
  • Students retain more information with only three classes (optional fourth) per day.
  • Students do not have to assimilate information from six or more teachers in one day.
  • Students have an extra day to set priorities and finish their homework.
  • Students gain preparation for a college-type schedule.
  • Students may schedule extra classes and still eat lunch.
  • Students have more time to meet with teachers or obtain extra help.
  • Students and teachers have less stress due to fewer hall change between bells per day.
  • Students have more time (7 minutes) to change classes between bells resulting in fewer tardies and disciplinary actions.
  • Students are less likely to cut school since they may leave at 12:19 p.m., resulting in improved attendance.
  • Students with jobs may start earlier in the day and finish earlier in the evening.
 

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Updated Friday, August 17, 2007