Keep 3rd/GCL Block at St. Joseph Catholic High School

At St. Joseph High School, the block after lunch known as 3rd or GCL block has been an essential part of students' learning. This block provides students with an opportunity to come to teachers for help and guidance on school work. This is extremely beneficial for students in the GCL format of schooling as they are not allotted much class time for homework. GCL students also take advantage of 3rd/GCL blocks to have more time for tests, something in which many students are reliant on. GCL students also use 3rd/GCL block as an opportunity to do labs which otherwise they may not have time for. For students within the TCL structure of learning, 3rd/GCL blocks are the only time they have to do homework during the day at school. All students benefit from the 3rd/GCL block as it is an opportunity to get advice from a teacher other than their CA. This is necessary for some students as they may require a different perspective when it comes to their learning. For teachers within TCL, the 3rd/GCL block may be the only time they have to help students who are not in their courses. For some students, having access to these teachers is extremely important. For students who are in clubs that occur during lunch, the 3rd/GCL block is time for them to eat lunch and get a bit of a break in their day. The 3rd/GCL block is a fundamental part of students' education at St. Joseph high school. 

The 3rd/GCL block is a large part of what makes St. Joseph different. It is a key thing advocated to students who are looking at going to St. Joseph high school during the open house and school presentations. This difference within the school structure is the reason why so many students come to St. Joseph for their schooling. 

The vice principals and principal at St. Joseph High school, led by principal Eistetter, are stripping the 3rd/GCL block from the students. They are taking the hour of time which normally belongs to the 3rd/GCL block and splitting it between the other blocks in the school day making classes longer. Approximately 24 minutes longer. They are making blocks which students would barely be able to handle as they are much longer. This extra time will not be used effectively as the students will be so tired of learning that their focus will wither away. That 24 minutes of extra time in class provides minimal advantage to students compared to an entire hour where students can work on whatever they feel most important. 

This change will harm so many students at St. Joseph. Students will lose time for homework, extra help, time for tests and labs. This will result in students struggling to get everything they need done. Without 3rd/GCL block immense damage to the education of Students within St. Joseph will occur.

As the students at St. Joseph high school, you have the right to have your voices heard. You have the right to convey the damage removing 3rd/GCL block will do to your education. You have the right to express your want to keep St. Joseph and 3rd/GCL block the same. 

If you want to support keeping the 3rd/GCL block at St. Joseph high school, sign this petition to have your voice heard. 

- Kayla, Matthew, Abby & Jonel