Time

There was a perception or maybe an expectation that moving to San Diego meant that there would be a much more laid back sense and flow of time. Ironically, I find the LJCDS community is notably punctual and cognizant about honoring both the teachers’ and students’ time. Case in point is the new schedule.

Before joining LJCDS, I was intrigued by the new seven-day academic schedule. I’ve spent many years writing school schedules, and there were definitive fingerprints left on this design. It was obvious that the architects genuinely cared about the mental wellness of the students and  teachers. The engineering of multiple long breaks in the school day stood out to me. When you ask teachers to describe their schedule, many will typically talk about the rotation of class periods. This was different. There are as many discussions about the long 75-minute class blocks as there were about the multiple breaks in the day, including the “activity/brain break.” The breaks were given names, which implied that they had defined purpose. This made me smile.

As a former distance runner and a longtime track and field coach, one thing you learn quickly (besides the obsession with time) is that a well-crafted workout training plan includes both thoughtfully planned running periods and deliberate recovery periods. This is where the magic happens physiologically. Too short a recovery period and there is no chance to recover for a quality next run. Too long a period and effectiveness drops, or the goal adaptation is missed.

I value the amount of intention behind the designed breaks, and I was excited to test the theory and to join a community that placed wellness as a priority. We won’t truly see the full benefits of a changing schedule for a few more years. Changing the length and frequency of teaching periods forces teachers to rethink their lessons and refine their work. These changes, in time, craft a new lens for teachers to analyze and design their curriculum. Even for the most veteran teachers, this is fantastic professional growth. Typically, I find that the fruits of this type of change will be evident in about three to five years.  

So, back to the original question, “How have I enjoyed my time?”

I’ve enjoyed being more keenly aware of time. I find myself always checking the time, something I didn’t do in New York City. I decided to wear a watch today because I was constantly on the move, and I didn’t want to pull out my phone so frequently. There isn’t a built-in break in my schedule, but I decided I needed to follow the lead of the schedule designers and make my own, even if brief.

Coincidentally, I located a perfect spot on the wall in my office for a clock. Whenever I wonder what time it is, I naturally glance up in that direction. There is even a nail, which presumably hung a clock in the past. Partially for the irony, which I enjoy, but also for the appropriate frequency, I decided not to buy a clock and leave a void.  

Now, each time I look up, the void reminds me to pause and think about time and to appreciate the wonderful hands that have shaped this community.