Counseling department offers abbreviated schedules

The Blair counseling department recently increased the versatility of alternative schedules for seniors. The new, one-class abbreviated schedule will allow seniors to gain work experience or take college classes during their senior year, according to Blair guidance counselor James Distler.

Until recently, Blair had been encouraged to fill seniors' schedules, but recently, "common sense" guided the counseling department to allow alternative options, according to Distler.

Students can now take one class in their senior year, the required English 12 credit. "If [students are] smart in their scheduling, they could eliminate all requirements in three years," he said. Instead, Distler hopes that students will take advantage of the extra year and look at other options, such as electives that would "enrich their lives."

The counseling department hopes that abbreviated schedules will allow students to get a jump on employment or earning college credits. The department also believes that the new schedules may alleviate overcrowding problems at Blair.

Blair also offers seniors the option of taking classes at Montgomery College (MC) during the academic year. About 85 to 90 percent of credits earned from MC can be transferred to other four-year colleges and universities, noted Distler. Community college credits earned during senior year can also boost students' grade point averages and increase their chances of acceptance to the college of their choice.

Distler said that alternative scheduling would expand students' options. "Now, with this open-mindedness, we are taking into consideration students' likes, dislikes and goals," he said. He warns, however, that abbreviated schedules must be considered with caution and tailored to suit the students' needs. "Abbreviated scheduling is not for everyone. It should be done on an individual, one-on-one basis," said Distler.