Due to the early start of the 2009-2010 school year, finals have been pushed to an earlier date compared to the previous year. Roseville Joint Union High School District teachers voted on the new calendar last spring and decided on the early start of the school year.

     One of the factors in the decision was to allow for equal school time during both the fall and spring terms. As a result, finals will no longer be after, but before winter break, which marks the end of the fall term. According to counselor Philomena Crone, the new finals schedule will be easier on students.

     “It gives students closure, so they don’t have to worry about testing over break,” said Crone.

     While some faculty members generally find the early start to be beneficial, it is also considered slightly negative for students.

     “Students didn’t like coming back so early and didn’t realize they need to be taking things seriously now,” said English teacher Paige Powell. “It seems like it hasn’t gotten to students’ heads how quickly finals are coming up.”

     Principal Brad Basham is supportive of the early finals this year.

     “From a student standpoint, it offers relief and that’s part of the benefits of an early start,” said Basham.

     Numerous students have similar perspectives in regards to not forgetting everything they have learned during the break.

     “I like it because now there isn’t that break which drains the brain,” said senior Mikayla Davis.

     Others also find that having finals before winter break is much easier.

     “You don’t have to refresh everything you know,” said junior Leah Hansen.

     In regards to the upcoming midterm finals, the schedules for those have been slightly altered as well. The testing days, Thursday and Friday, will no longer include the one day break in between as opposed to previous years’ testing. That break, which is a teacher work day, is next Wednesday, the day of PSAT testing.

     “I’d like a break-that’d be better,” said freshman Olivia Warnock.

     Sophomore Audrey Mason sees the one-day break from previous testing years as advantageous for students.

     “We should get a break because we need that day to study,” said Mason.