For years, District 113 has been adjusting bell schedules and course offerings at both Highland Park High School (HPHS) and Deerfield High School (DHS) to determine what is most successful for the district as a whole. The past few years have proven to be a very transitional period for our school, as the administration works to find the right rhythm, while also working to keep the school as in sync with DHS as possible.
New course offerings each year are appearing. For example, this year AP Cybersecurity was added at HPHS and is thriving under the guidance of Ms. Wilson and Mr. Hagberg. In terms of next years’ plans, AP United States Government and Politics will be offered and can be taken in lieu of a civics credit. This is a great opportunity for sophomores and seniors who need to take civics but want an extra challenge and college credit. This class has been offered at DHS for many years now. Many have noticed how both HPHS and DHS have begun to sync in terms of our schedule, course offerings, and overall opportunities.
It is important to note that although HPHS is making changes that align with those of DHS, the ultimate goal is not to make the schools run exactly the same. Dr. Chala Holland, the Township High School District 113 Superintendent explained, “Both Principals and their teams at each school are working together to shape a vision for the experience moving forward. It’s an example of working together to learn from each other and determine the experiences desired for all students in the district. It’s less about becoming like the other school.” Holland’s perspective highlights a key distinction in how the district views our progress. It’s about working in tandem to find what works best for the student body, not to replicate the dynamic of one school to benefit another.
This process of alignment experimentation has prompted conversation among students and staff alike. In regards to the frequent changes in bell schedule, HP Junior Remy Drexler shared “I wouldn’t say that it’s troublesome, but I would say that it’s definitely a tad confusing at the start of each year.” Drexler brings up an extremely valid argument regarding the period of adjustment that accompanies the beginning of each new school year. Along with the pressure of beginning school in the first place, it is easy to imagine that a new bell schedule would add unnecessary stress. While most students adapt sooner or later, validating those feelings of anxiety that come with shifting the bell schedule each year is crucial to ensure the eventual success of the students at HPHS.
It is clear that every time that we change the schedule, we learn something new about what supports the student body effectively. It is clear that District 113 is working to leverage both institutions’ strengths in order to create a supportive environment for all. These changes are signs of progress, and learning from each other is imperative for our success.