In previous years at Padua, midterms have been after Christmas break. However, this year it was decided to have midterms before break. The new midterm schedule is based on blocks, not classes.  For example, the section of Spanish III that meets during Block A may have the midterm the first day, whereas Spanish III Block C may have the midterm on the fourth day. The new schedule can be found online on each students’ OnCampus page.

With midterms approaching earlier than usual, Padua students are unsure how they feel about it. Having midterms before break means having them during the busiest time of the year, while trying to cram in last minute shopping. Having them after break could result in forgetting material due to not being in school for over a week . Many students agree it is nice to have them before break because it allows for students to better enjoy their time off as they do not have upcoming exams to worry about.

Junior, Lauren Mottel shared her thoughts saying, “I do not like the fact that midterms are before break because not only is there less time to prepare study guides, but it also places so much stress on us that we do not get to enjoy the Christmas season leading up to break.” Mottel adds, “Furthermore, this change applies not only to students, but faculty members. Many teachers I have are also stressed and scrambling to adjust their teaching schedules so that there is enough material for the midterms.” Mottel continued to say that the time she was able to spend preparing  during Christmas break in previous years allowed her to be better organized, thus making her feel more confident about her exams. Senior Natalie Onesi said that it is a big change; “We are use to having them after break so it just doesn’t feel right.” Onesi said that she thinks upperclassmen will have a hard time adjusting to the change.

On Friday, December 15th, Padua’s first midterm will take place using the new schedule. On Exam Day One, Blocks B and D will be meeting. On Day Two, Blocks G and H will meet. On Day Three, Blocks E and A. On Day Four, Blocks C and F.