By Sarah Buchert
Have you ever wanted to have a different school skirt? A different polo shirt? More tutoring time? More homework time? To explore science more in-depth? If so, you could be getting your wish. Changes have been proposed by the Board of Directors in their latest meeting and are being considered for approval in the next Board meeting.
The first change proposed by the Board of Directors was the extension of the school day by 15 minutes to “provide a time after lunch where students could seek out tutoring help from teachers, work on homework in a study hall, or get involved in various activities that might be presented from time to time,” says Headmaster Dr. Porter. The tutoring offered during the day would operate in the exact same way as tutoring after school. The time extension would allow those who have to leave early for sports or other extracurricular activities to “seek out help before the class time they will miss or the day after as well,” says Dr. Porter. “This is something we have discussed with the faculty.”
The second change being considered is a change to the textbook deposits, making the high school and middle school deposits the same. Currently the middle school textbook deposit is $180, while the high school textbook deposit is $160. Headmaster Porter says, “It is mainly an accounting reason…Since textbooks cost much more than even the middle school deposit, evening it out seems to make sense.” If this idea were passed, it would only affect the incoming ninth graders and none of the other grades.
The third change being considered is changing the color of the school skirts and allowing more varieties of polo shirts to be worn. “A reason for changing the skirt is to choose a color pattern that represents our school colors better…Any change would be put into place to simplify the uniform code,” said Dr. Porter. This change in uniforms would only affect the incoming 6th graders and those who have not already bought their uniforms. If the girls uniform is changing, it is possible that the boys uniform could also change.
A definite change to the science curriculum is going to be instituted in the 2017-18 school year, Dr. Porter said. This would allow seniors to choose a science course they would like to explore further. “That is the decision of the Board of Directors. It will provide adequate time to set up the curriculum for the courses,” he said.
When asked about the changes he will make and his plans for the future of TPA, Headmaster Porter said: “My vision for the future of TPA is to help make it the strongest classical liberal arts school in the Valley. …We will make no changes just for the sake of making change. To quote an old saying, if it isn’t broken, then don’t fix it!”
No changes, besides the second course science classes for the seniors, have been passed. These changes have been proposed and may or may not appear in TPA’s future.