The capstone schedule is modified with designated lunch period blocks to reduce crowding; the new schedule allows for three full school days for the state requirement.

Similar to last year, the last three days of school, The last days are being labeled as “Capstone Days”, and will occur on Dec. 18, 19, and 20. In the middle of the Capstone day, there will be an A lunch group and a B group.

Principal Steve McWilliams explains how this new process will work.

“Students in math, science, and world language classes will eat lunch first and then attend class,” McWilliams said. “The B lunch group will be students in social studies, PE, and English will start with their Capstone and then eat lunch.”

The goal of having students split into lunch groups is to mitigate crowding issues. While having lunch groups will make space for students, senior Zach George has a different view.

“Before, I could eat lunch at home and get out by 1 pm,” George said.
Even though the schedule is longer than usual, it is important to attend Capstone Days because of the state’s attendance guidelines. You have to be in attendance at the school building for 300 minutes for the day to count,” McWilliams said.

Due to this state-mandated rule, we have two-hour periods.

“School attendance is a high priority, which leads into how the schedule is laid out,” McWilliams said. “Having Capstone Days qualify as three full school days makes sure that students and staff do not have more school days added on at the end of the year.”

Since the campus is closed, students can leave the building in certain circumstances. If students have an open period, you can leave depending on where it fits. If students have an open or lunch period at the end of the day, you can leave the building as long as you have reliable transportation.

If you have an open period in between class periods, you cannot leave the premises. The library will be open for students to study during the Capstone Days. If you have a lunch period at the end of a Capstone Day, you are able to leave the building.

Since both the math and science classes have final exams, studying is key to achieving success. Prior to Capstone Days, the math and science academic resource center is a great resource when preparing for those final exams. Other types of classes will have specific projects that connect to the curriculum.