Stone Ridge. For many of us, our school is a place of familiarity, tradition, and sometimes repetitive schedules. For the past three years, the time spent here has held a comforting sense of unchanging systems, but some students are noticing that some aspects of Stone Ridge are changing this year.
Despite the same yummy SAGE lunch, the Gator spirit at sports games, and rigorous academics, there are several small changes in Stone Ridge’s schedule and the school as a whole. For seniors, sophomores, and juniors, this new schedule may be an adjustment, and for freshmen who are lucky enough to experience Stone Ridge in its new light for the first year, it is important to know why these changes are being made.
Morning Assembly
One significant change that had students buzzing as they came back to school is morning assembly, a shift that people are still getting used to. At first, many students, including myself, assumed this change was pointless and that it may throw off the flow of the morning here at school. But, despite the common complaints that seniors are not able to experience the feeling of sitting on the balcony every morning, among the class, a growing appreciation for this new set up is forming. From teachers’ perspectives, this change was far from a decision made on a whim. For the past few years, teachers have noticed a loss in the close sense of school community when the assemblies were in the theater. Pre-Covid, and pre-arrival of the class of 2026, assembly was held in the old Good Hall before it was renovated. Teachers have provided insights on how a more consistent and inclusive set up made it easier to share student announcements and make students more comfortable with speaking at assembly.
Student Reactions
Although this new schedule is still being adjusted, good things have been said amongst the students pertaining to the morning assembly. The slower-paced morning routine allows for students to lean into the first block of the day following an engaging assembly. Also, the community aspect that is extremely important to Stone Ridge has been prioritized, and every morning students are talking, laughing and spending valuable time together before the academic day starts. 
Espacio
Included in assembly, espacio now takes place in the morning rather than following first block has also received positive reactions. Pre-assembly, starting the morning with prayer and quiet time to reflect and prepare for the day, whether you may be deep in thought, sleeping, or looking around, offers a moment to ground ourselves before we say our morning prayer. The calming voice of Ms. Wills brings comfort to students after hearing her “have a great day”, and it allows for a better transition rather than jumping into prayer, or having to rush class time in hopes to get even three minutes of a half-silent espacio.
Morning Break
In relation to the changing assembly times, morning break times have changed now to 9:45-10:05am with typically nothing planned, other than advisory on Tuesdays. In the past, students frequently complained about long-lasting assemblies with little time to get anything done between first and second block. Now, this free time offers students the opportunity to finish last minute assignments, get homework done, or hangout with friends before getting to class.
Although all of these changes have been an adjustment for everyone, there are many benefits to the new schedule, whether you realize it or not. As many people will continue to form and hold their own opinions on this schedule, it is important to know the intent behind all of these changes.
