Starting the 2023-24 school year, Hinsdale Central has made some changes– finishing construction, a new athletic director, and extended lunch periods are just a few of them. 

Previously, the lunch periods were 25 minutes in length and there were 5 possible periods you could have lunch. Now, the lunch periods are 50 minutes long and there are still 5 possible periods you could have lunch. 

One of the many benefits of having these longer lunches is the new Academic Resource Center (ARC) classrooms that are open for drop-in help for all English and math classes. The ARC is open all lunch periods and is  currently in room 161, directly across from the cafe doors in the athletic hallway. 

“It can bring new perspectives or new ways to describe material that they wouldn’t get in the classroom, or from their teacher alone,” said Lauren Toler, a current algebra 1 and geometry teacher.

The ARC has current teachers that are there to assist any students that walk in the door. Having different teachers than you have in your everyday class can give students a different explanation and view on things that they wouldn’t receive from only having one teacher.

“I hope kids keep using it because I think it’s so beneficial and I love being able to work one on one with the kids and help them out and see what they’re doing in English,” said Lesley Stock, a current English 2 Honors and psychology in literature teacher.

Having the ARC available during lunch periods is more convenient than students having to come early or stay after school for help. It also gives every student the opportunity to get help without having to plan around other things they have before or after school.

Ashley Ashbaugh, a junior at Hinsdale Central High School, took advantage of the ARC and went in to ask questions before a math test later in the day. 

“I’d for sure go back, the teachers out there know what they’re doing,” Ashbaugh said. 

The ARC is open for math help on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, and English help on Wednesdays and Fridays.

Although all students are welcome, some students can be recommended to get help from their teachers if they think that help will be beneficial depending on the course they are enrolled in. 

Giving students more opportunities to get the support they need is necessary for students to get the most out of their education. Having the ARC available gives every student the opportunity to be their best. 

Upcoming, the ARC will begin having student tutors to help students during their lunch periods. This gives students the ability to connect with other students that understand their situation and may have a different perspective of things.