Adhering to District 211 policy, SHS students will be expected to take physical education classes and can no longer opt out of their lunch periods. Saxons have been seeking gym exemptions in order to take further academic coursework and/or early releases. Other students have created schedules that leave them without lunch period through the days.
The change was prompted by a review of the current scheduling practices. Through that process, the principal and his team identified areas where the schedule was not fully aligned with existing requirements, specifically around ensuring all students had a lunch period and being more intentional about how gym waivers were being used.
“This update allows us to correct that and create a more balanced approach moving forward,” said Mr. Mocon, the principal of Schaumburg High School. “Our goal is to support students’ overall well-being by helping them maintain a balanced schedule. This includes following the guidelines in place, making sure students have time during the day to reset and recharge, and ensuring they can still access the classes they need for graduation and future opportunities.”
As a result, some students will feel that they are losing flexibility in their schedules—flexibility that can be essential for balancing academic goals, extracurricular commitments, and personal needs. For some, the inability to adjust schedules may limit course options and increase stress when planning future years.
At SHS, student voices play an important role in shaping the school community. Policies like this influence not only daily routines but also long-term academic planning. Many SHS students are now speaking up in hopes of revisiting the policy and preserving student choice.
Students shared differing perspectives on school scheduling policies. A senior student argued that varsity athletes should be exempt from gym requirements, noting that their athletic commitments already provide sufficient physical activity and that such a policy could encourage greater participation in school sports.
Another upperclassman emphasized the importance of student choice in course selection while expressing support for a required lunch period, explaining that dedicated time to eat and decompress can help students manage stress, mental health, and daily responsibilities.
A SHS junior acknowledges the school’s intention to prioritize daily exercise and nutrition but feels the newly enforced gym requirement lacks sufficient support for upperclassmen. As a junior, they explain that the policy disrupts a carefully planned four-year academic schedule created during freshman year.
As administrators align scheduling practices, staff must continue to have conversations with current freshmen and sophomores to better help them plan ahead. Clearer understanding of policy will clarify junior and senior years. With regular check-ins and open communication with counselors, students will be able to create a four-year plan that meets their academic goals while maintaining balance in their daily schedule.