This year presented many new changes to the Knight School program, garnering mixed reactions from the student body…

Eliza Crowder | Staff Reporter
 

While most of us enjoy soaking in the laid-back nature of Knight School, we often neglect to take full advantage of the resources and learning opportunities being offered to us through this well-crafted program. It can be easy for us students to ignore all of the work put in by the Knight School committee and the course instructors, who simply try to ensure that this is a memorable week for us students.

In recent years, the Knight School committee has implemented various changes in the program in order to strive for more consistency regarding the seriousness of the courses. First, teachers are now instructed to assign short nightly homework tasks and even a “project” that is due at the end of the week.

Second, the committee has been aiming to make off-campus trips more affordable and accessible to the entire student community by reducing prices for the Knight School trips.

Lastly, the committee now requires that all Knight School courses fit into one of the following categories: academic, creative arts, community service, or outdoor education.

“With last year being the first year of these fruitful changes, most students considered it 10 percent more successful than the previous years at around a 91.3 percent success rate,” Knight School committee member Liz Simonovich said. “We of the Knight School committee were trying to make the week long course a more fun learning experience so that students could go deeper into what they are learning.” The committee has worked hard in an effort to create the most suitable and enjoyable learning environment for the students in the courses.

Among the student community, the change that has generated the most angst around campus has been the change to the homework policy. “While I don’t think Knight School should be considered break, I think the main focus of Knight School should just be the hands on projects you complete as well as the places you visit daily,” sophomore Teshie Bronk said.

However, these implemented changes to the Knight School program have garnered positive reactions from Menlo teachers. The course instructors feel as if these changes have been beneficial because they will increase the practicality of the program, while still maintaining the relaxed essence of the week.

“I think [the changes] are beneficial and I think that they add accountability for students,” Knight School course instructor Margaret Ramsey said. Through the addition of homework to Knight School courses, further responsibility has been instilled into students, which will contribute to students’ overall learning. “It is good to give the students something to think about and prepare for to make the most of [their] time. It prepares you for life and for your own hobbies” Ramsey said.

‘Great Directors and Their Signature Styles” course instructor Stephanie Portman agrees with the importance of instilling responsibility into students through homework. “I have always assigned homework in my classes. The assignments are short and relevant, but it is my hope that they are read by students,” Portman said. “We ask students to be engaged and follow through on responsibilities, but ultimately, if they want to get the most out of the course, it is up to them.” Portman raises an interesting point here, highlighting the idea that Knight School is whatever each student makes of it.

The adventure-filled week of Knight School has always been a unique aspect to Menlo, and the teachers and committee continue to work on bettering the minor areas of improvement within the program.

Despite any recent changes, Knight School has always provided and will continue to provide an opportunity for students to delve deeper into a subject previously unknown to them, in hopes of expanding their knowledge and taking a break from the stress of school.