Homework, tests, club meetings, missing work, where does it all fit in? In the busy life of a Chelsea student, finding time for themselves and balancing workloads can be difficult. Bulldog Block offers a time to complete assignments, attend meetings, or get a much needed brain break from a busy schedule.

Many students here at CHS have found different ways to fill the 35 minute period that benefit their own needs. So what do students use Bulldog block for? 

Olivia Jones (‘24) spends her Bulldog block geared toward the goals she needs to accomplish that day. “I like that it’s a flexible and relaxed environment to get help outside of class,” Jones said. “I enjoy the fact that teachers are there for you to ask questions and get help.”

Flexibility is a major reason why Bulldog Block why students find Bulldog Block helpful. Sophomore Charlie Basar emphasized the key strength of Bulldog Block: “[it] provides a time where students aren’t forced to do one particular thing, where they can use it for whatever they need that time for.” 

The teachers here at CHS are available to help with questions but also have to facilitate their own class during that time. John Zainea, who has been teaching English for 18 years here at CHS, weighed in with his opinion and gave a teacher’s perspective on Bulldog Block. “It first started in COVID to give students a break from zoom, which made sense at the time… now that we’re back I’ve seen a majority of my students use this time to be on their phones, TikTok, and a lot of social media use,” Zaniea said. “I do see some students use their time for academic work…I think it tends to be one extreme or the other.” 

These concerns are shared by history teacher Andrea Maines who says that while students may use Bulldog Block to finish homework and get help from teachers, “It has turned into more screen time on their phones… which defeats the original purpose,” Maines claims.

While some students may not fully use Bulldog Block as it was originally intended, it has provided aid to many of the clubs at CHS. “I’ve enjoyed being able to hold my Key Club meetings during the school day as it has increased membership dramatically,” Maines commented.

A long standing controversy over Bulldog Block revolves around the fact students may be taking advantage of that time. Freshman Anna McGuire is new to the concept of Bulldog Block and gave her input on what she’s noticed during her first year. “A lot of kids do use it as a social hour but also [some of them] work on homework,” McGuire said. “It is nice to have the opportunity for a break. I personally use it to get assignments done or ahead.”

While many of the students use the block to benefit them academically, others use this time as a short brain break and to get in a relaxed mindset for their next class. There tend to be mixed opinions on whether or not Bulldog Block is worth keeping, as it is largely there for students to improve academically rather than take a break from all classes. So should it be kept? Arguably, student meetings could be before or after school, and students could find time on their own to meet with teachers and make up work. But with students who need that extra help to succeed, Bulldog Block could help resolve that.

CHS isn’t the only school to institute something like Bulldog Block either. Senior Amelia Hallsell brought up other schools which also have break times scheduled in their day. “Livonia High School has their Patriot Time…which is the same amount of time and they do it the same way,” Hallsell commented.

So while the benefits and time spent during Bulldog Block vary, CHS carries on and will continue to support students’ education and mental health.