On Wed., June 1, the multi-decade tradition of Arena truly came to an end as students received computerized schedules after period 3 homerooms.

Immediately after students received their schedules, cell phones were out and fingers working at lightning speed, racing over keypads to text friends, check ratemyteachers.com, and inform parents about their schedules.

The reactions to these schedules were mixed.

Patrick Hamonet ’13 remained steadfast that Arena should be returned, before receiving his schedule in homeroom. “We want Arena back,” Hamonet said.

Kyra Hawrysh ’13 agreed, saying that now, she has no idea who her teachers are. “It’s annoying because last year we got to research teachers first,” Hawrysh said.

However, some students were in support of the new scheduling system.

Edmund Hardy ’13 believes replacing Arena with the computer programming system was a change for the better. “I think it will create less competition and animosity between students,” Hardy said.

Students are encouraged by the Assistant Principal’s office to see their counselors only if they have the specific problem of not receiving all course requests, having two singletons booked during the same period, replacing a cancelled course, correcting under enrollment, adding a class with seat availability (only during a free period) or dropping a class with a parents note as long as the student is under enrolled.

Guidance has repeatedly said that teacher changes will not be permitted, no override forms will be accepted, and that students should see their counselors during the specific times indicated outside of the guidance office. The times are during the lunch periods on Thurs., June 6 for current juniors, Fri., June 3 for current sophomores, and Mon., June 6 for current freshmen.

Assistant Principal Jim Farnen reassured the student body over the loudspeaker during homeroom that an overwhelming percentage of students received everything they signed up for. He believes only a small percentage of students should feel the need to see guidance.