The September school year began with an unprecedented Ramaz schedule. Students hoped that it would be easier for them to manage their classes. The seven day, rotating schedule was removed and the days were shortened. However, the administration quickly introduced the first special, modified schedule – the test schedule. This new schedule allotted time for a forty-minute test and an additional twenty minutes for students with extra time. Each grade was to follow the test schedule, regardless of whether their individual class had an exam that day. This uniform schedule would provide an hour-long break to students who did not have tests and ensure that the entire school followed the same schedule. 

However, students began to complain about the shortened twenty-minute lunch break and insufficient time for Tefillah. The schedule felt cramped and rushed with the exam period immediately following second period at 10:35 in the morning. Students also argued that they were not given any time throughout the day to socialize with friends due to the hurried lunch time. 

The Ramaz faculty and administration listened to the voices of the students and implemented a new, revised test schedule. This new schedule, primarily designed by Ms. Krupka, rearranged the order of the exam hour. The new testing period is now right before lunch, allowing the students to spend the extra time after 

their test with their friends at lunch. The lunch time essentially doubled in length, while the school day and class periods remain unchanged. 

According to a survey of the junior class, 78.8% of the students feel that this new schedule provides a sufficient amount of time for lunch on test days. However, students remain largely unhappy with this new schedule and the majority of juniors agreed that they actually prefer the original test schedule. Students explained that they would rather their test be earlier in the day so they do not have to worry about it throughout their classes. Especially because the grades have limited in-person days at school, students find it unenjoyable to stress all afternoon for their exams and would prefer to take them in the morning. 

Other students explored the possibility of abandoning the test schedule altogether and reverting to the method Ramaz used last year. This year’s testing process designates a specific time in the day for an entire grade to take their exam. Last year, students took their tests during their class period and had the same schedule every day regardless of an exam. “Ramaz should stop catering the test schedule to the kids with extra time, who are the small minority of students,” explained one junior. 

Regardless of the specific schedule, Ramaz students remain frustrated with the constant exams on in-person days. The school decided in September not to administer any remote tests unless a student gets special permission as a full-time remote learner. This means that the students who learn in-person have a test almost every single day that they come into school. Sydney Eisenstein ’22 explained, “Having a test changes the entire atmosphere of the day and students stress about the exam until the moment they finish. I understand that it is difficult to ensure the integrity of the students online, but I think the students should work with the faculty to find a solution.”

These unpredictable and unprecedented times call for many revisions and modifications to the normal Ramaz schedule. The administration and faculty have been making efforts to implement the ideas of the students and meet monthly to discuss issues in the school.