Flex Block is a time of day many students at MHS look forward to. Many students enjoy Flex, whether it’s to get homework done, study for a test, get help from a teacher, or just relax and socialize. However, Flex Block has its downsides. We’ve talked to many students about their opinions on Flex.
Trevor Sibley, a Freshman at MHS, tells us that while Tuesdays and Thursdays are helpful, he doesn’t have a similar period on Friday, so he wishes he had a block like Flex, dedicated to his learning environment to expand his knowledge of the subjects he wishes to learn more about.
Jeremiah Desronville, a Freshman at MHS has an idea to change Flex Block. All students attending MHS follow the rules and one of these rules is that during Flex Block, students are only allowed to join a teacher’s Flex from their designated schedules. Jeremiah speaks on behalf of many other students who also discussed this issue. He wants more variety of teachers to choose from, so he can utilize different perspectives. Jeremiah wants to have the opportunity to select a teacher that he doesn’t have. If this was changed, it could help many students get the help they need and deserve.
Kyrillos Poktor, a Freshman at MHS, shares his opinion on Flex Blocks. Flex Block is a great time to study for tests and many students utilize Flex Block to get extra studying time. Sadly, many students usually join these classes and they fill up. Kyrillos represents kids who have tests almost every week and can’t get the help they need because the Flex Block is full. Kyrillos believes that students who need to study for tests deserve more priority than students who don’t need to study for that class. If this was changed, it would benefit many students including Kyrillos.
Fiona Ratcliffe, a Freshman at MHS also wants a change in Flex Block. Almost all students have a phone with them at all times. Whether it’s for texting, calling, updating your Snapchat story, scrolling on TikTok, or listening to music, there will be times when you have to call someone for important reasons. However, since the “No Phone” rule is strictly enforced, students may be unable to receive these calls. Some might argue that Flex Block is a time to work and finish class assignments. However, Flex Block is also a mental break for students. So, Fiona thinks using phones during Flex Block would be good for students.
David Perry, a teacher at MHS has seen many things happen during Flex Block. Mr. Perry was an excellent person to talk to as he has many students who join his Flex Block. Teachers are there at Flex Blocks to help students. He also said that students don’t take advantage of their time during Flex Block to finish homework assignments and study for upcoming tests or quizzes. He believes that students should be more focused on the work they have due, rather than fool around. He counters this claim by saying that Flex is also a time to relax and take a break. However, if there is important work that needs to be done, it should be done.
As you can see from the numerous perspectives shared, Flex Block needs some changes. Suggestions include having some kind of Flex on Friday, allowing more variety of teachers to choose from, and allowing students to use phones during Flex. However, it is also important to note that the students should be using their time wisely, as stated by Mr. Perry. Overall, Flex Block is a great time for students to get their work done, get extra help, or study for tests or quizzes. It is also a break from the structure of other classes. As well-intentioned as Flex Block is, there need to be some changes.