For the first time in their lives, seventh graders have a locker, a schedule and are switching from class to class with numerous teachers, all with different expectations.  Is this too much for them?

“I like having my own locker,” some students said, “However, I am given a lot more homework than my elementary school teachers gave me.”

Although there are positive sides to the switch in schools, such as having your own locker, there are also negatives.  Students have not yet adjusted to the amount of homework that is being given for completion each night.  There is homework from every teacher and it is hard to keep up.

“I could be up all night doing homework and studying for three tests,” said one student.  Are teachers aware of what their colleagues are assigning?  “My teacher in elementary school wouldn’t give us homework or would give us very little, if we had to study for a test,” said another student.

“I like to switch classes daily because the day doesn’t feel as long,” said one seventh grader.

Some students feel that 45 minutes is not enough time for each class.  “In my elementary school, my teacher would answer any questions we had, but now the teachers aren’t answering a lot of our questions” due to the large amount of material that has to be covered during each class.

The seventh graders are struggling with the amount of work that they are expected to absorb but are doing the best they can while looking forward to holiday breaks.