Fifth block cannot be ripped from underneath our feet.
According to fliers distributed by teachers advocating for a fair contract at back-to-school night, “preservation of fifth block” was one of the teachers’ contract concerns.
If students have a voice in their school’s schedule and design, fifth block would never be in question. It is an essential part of Haven.
Fifth block is an extra block in the school day that runs from 2:05 to 3 o’clock every day. It serves as an opportunity for students to receive extra help from teachers, do homework in the library, be a part of the school’s music program, and participate in student-run clubs.
Sophomore Ella Brook finds that fifth block allows her to stay at school, and still be productive.
“Fifth block is important because I can do my homework before sports, or get help from a teacher,” Brook said.
In addition to student-athletes being able to receive help, the three-o’clock bus after fifth block provides a stress-free option to stay for help or extracurriculars for students who have concerns about getting a ride home.
French teacher Ms. Tracy Dubs agrees that without the three o’clock bus, students would feel pressured to take the two o’clock bus home and not stay for help.
“If we didn’t have fifth block, kids would have to get home on the bus, and wouldn’t be able to find a ride to stay late to get help. So, I do like that as an opportunity,” Dubs said.
Senior Lilly Hodges notes that certain activities only meet during fifth block.
“I think fifth block is really important because of after-school activities like band,” Hodges said.
Hodges is right: several of the school’s music groups meet during fifth block. Camerata and Cantata, two of the school’s choral groups, the marching band on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, and later in the year, orchestra and other band ensembles, all meet during fifth block.
If fifth block was taken away or moved in the schedule, these music groups would be forced to either meet in the morning, (which is difficult when school already starts so early) or meet after 3 p.m., which would prohibit student-athletes from being in performance ensembles.
In addition to music groups, student-led clubs usually chose to meet during fifth block, because it provides an extra hour in the day to complete club-related tasks and activities without making students worry about getting a ride home after.
Sophomore Rheya Singh is the co-president of Haven HOSA [Health Occupations Students of America], and she finds the timing of the block to be perfect.
“[Fifth block] gives you a chance to participate in clubs at a convenient time,” Singh said.
And while extracurricular activities are optional endeavors for students, fifth block is a fantastic time for students to complete mandatory school projects and assignments that were not finished in class, late, or missed.
Sewing and culinary arts teacher Mrs. Frances Schoonover believes that fifth block is an essential time for students in her classes to catch up on work.
“It is important, especially for lab-based classes, because it’s all hands-on. If you miss school, you are still responsible for making up that work, so fifth block is your best option,” Schoonover said. “It’s a real part of your day.”
But for the time being, students will not need to worry about fifth block going anywhere anytime soon.
The same back-to-school night fliers, distributed to community members, included a handwritten line: “Your advocacy helped us to save fifth block.”
“We think it’s important for the music program and it’s important for student success. It’s a great opportunity to go back to classes where you need extra help,” Schoonover said.
