Starting next year, Hoover High School and multiple other schools in the district, including middle schools, will have to make the switch from seven periods to six. The main reason for this change is due to everything that has happened in the past three years. The district has decided to return to a six-period day.
Dr. Spurley states, “This should not come as a surprise for students or families, because prior to COVID, it was always a six-period day. So, this is nothing new for Hoover per se. It’s maybe new for students because you guys have only known seven periods.”
For students wondering about the programs Hoover offers and whether any will be discontinued, Dr. Spurley reassures that “every type of program that we offer will continue to be offered in a six-period day, just like we did in a seven-period day.”
To those wondering how this change will impact them, Dr. Spurley states that “there will be very little impact to students overall.” Additionally, Hoover High School may start offering a zero-period schedule so students can earn additional credits. The decision to make this change was made by the district and the Board of Education.
Many students are concerned about their electives and whether having six periods means they will lose one. Unfortunately, this does mean students will have one less elective. However, juniors and seniors will likely still have more than one elective since they typically have fewer required courses compared to freshmen and sophomores.
It remains to be seen how this change will affect students and programs. It is likely to impact electives. One junior currently enrolled in AP Seminar lamented she doesn’t have room in her schedule for AP Research next year. Without the option for an extra elective, students must make difficult choices.
For Hoover athletes wondering if they will still have a free period for their sport, Dr. Spurley confirms that “the sport will still be built into their schedule at the end of the day, but practice times are always determined by the coach.”
Hoover High School is used to change. Our school will strive for our best regardless of the number of periods in the day.