After the need for more spacing for students in Middle School Technology course, two groups are sent to HS to take the class there to divide the workload.

Last year due to the increment of students coming in from the Elementary classes, Middle School teachers struggled to manage so many classes, and simultaneously, so many students with it. Teachers were forced to divide the class and share courses with HS teachers. like was the case of two of the groups of Technology in 8th grade that had to take the class in High School.

“Last year we noticed that the number of students changed. Now there are over 130 students in 8th grade, a much bigger number than what we were used to, ” Julian Zuñiga HS robotics and AP Computer science teacher, said.

Despite the increasing amount of students, teachers that carry multiple grades per class, like was the case for MS Technology, found it increasingly hard to manage the courses at once.

“Middle School teacher John Higuita was unable to handle the six groups that correspond to the 8th grade, considering that he teaches multiple grades in MS, ” Zuñiga said.

With the transition to Zuñiga’s room, also came new responsibilities for students. Zuñiga being a High School teacher, and new to Middle School students, students saw class dynamics change, and with it the difficulty of the course too.

“I think Zuñiga’s class is very hard and complicated, he teaches very advanced subjects that push us to our limits,” Rafaela Vargas 8th grade student in Robotics, said.

With the course being more complicated, students have to handle the distance that comes into getting to Zuñigas room on time, and properly handle their schedules this school year.

“It takes me around five minutes above bell time, sometimes I get distracted and truthfully, the distances are long between MS and HS,” Vargas said.

Furthermore, students are not the only ones who have found the transition challenging, it has also been an experience for both sides to learn more about the school.

“At first I must admit I was concerned; it was the first time teaching students so young, but I have to say I’m really impressed, it has been an amazing experience working with them,” Zuñiga said.