Feature Article

Bow High School has been leading the way in revolutionary learning for years, changing what it means to be a student in the traditional sense. For instance, students at Bow High are offered choices for learning outside of the regular school day classes. From offering peer tutoring to “classroom experiences” in Belize and South Africa, students at Bow receive a unique education outside of the traditional eight-hour school day.

Along with the new administrative changes happening next year, including a new principal, the current administration and Student Senate have been experimenting with the bell schedule and, for two weeks, tested out a “no bell” policy. After two weeks using digital time to increase student independence and responsibility, the school received overwhelming support for the change and, according to Ms. Pauer, the Dean of Academic Life at Bow, “Almost everyone wanted to see some sort of change with the bell schedule.” Using student input and committees is very important to Ms. Pauer who cites Student Senate as the driving force behind policy changes at the school. “We want Student Senate to represent the student’s voice for change,” Pauer points out.

One thing student Senate is working on for next year, Pauer states, is the implementation of “Flex Time,” which would reorganize the school day, adding more structure to the free time. “We’ve been visiting different schools, seeing the things they’re doing. Now, we have too much split energy during the break. Using flex time, a teacher could meet with more than one student at a time who are having trouble on the same subject.”         

Another issue that is being tackled by Student Senate and administration is school start time. A concerned citizen and pediatrician, Dr. Albushies, came forward during a school board meeting, and expressed his worry for the early school start times across the district. “He stated that studies show kids are not at full capacity for learning until about 8:30,” mentions Ms. Pauer. “He was my own son’s pediatrician, so I trust him completely.” Pauer also believes that flex could help with this by moving it to the beginning of the day instead of having the break in the middle of the day like it is now. “We would still do all the same activities we have now during the break, they would just happen at the beginning instead,” Pauer comments cheerfully. 

While none of these are set in stone, she is hopeful of their implementation. “It is exciting. We hope we can change things for the better. We don’t want to change things for the worse!” she jokes. The Dean of Academic Life has even larger, provocative ideas planned. She hints at removing the grading system altogether in future years. “It's all about changing the idea of school. Grades are an old model. We are hoping to move towards total competency-based grading.” When I asked her when that may be she hints that it will be coming soon. “This year’s freshman may even see it by their senior year!” 

With all these new exciting changes Ms. Pauer is open to student questions and concerns, but urges you to talk to your Student Senators. They are streamlining the changes and may be able to answer any questions you may have as Bow thrusts itself into the future.