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By Lena Pearson

For the Clemmons Courier

CLEMMONS — Due to the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools 2024-2025 calendar changes, West Forsyth’s first semester is already on its way out.

Although midterms and final exams were previously held following winter break, this year’s exam schedule will take place before students are out to enjoy their time off. The change has impacted the structure of many classes as there is more information to teach in a shorter period of time, but West’s educators and Titans alike have powered through and made the first semester as successful as possible.

In previous years, exam week was held in mid-late January after West arrived back from winter break, still in the midst of the first semester. Many students found that the gap in between education time and exams caused a lack of a seamless transition for the best performance on assessments. Others found it difficult to return back to the same classes and coursework of first semester following the start of the new year. Now, the exams will be held prior to the time off, giving students the opportunity for a brand new semester and a fresh start when they come back. Exam week will begin on Friday, Dec. 13, and winter break will mark the end of exams on Friday, Dec. 20. Students will return back to campus on Monday, Jan. 6, with exams far behind them, ready to greet a fresh semester. 

As the first semester comes to a close, West’s Student Government Association (SGA) hosted an eventful Holiday Spirit Week to get the Titans in the Christmas spirit leading up to their break. Monday is dedicated to holiday colors, where underclassmen wear red, upperclassmen wear green and staff wear white. On Tuesday, students were expected to be decked out in their Christmas gear, sporting their best holiday hats and socks. Wednesday was Christmas Character Day, giving Titans the opportunity to dress up as their favorite holiday movie characters; many elves and reindeer are expected to be seen. Thursday is the time to shine for anyone with a grandma who specializes in knitting, as Ugly Sweater day will be full of the wackiest and most festive Christmas sweaters around. Holiday Spirit Week goes out with a bang with Pajama Day on Friday, everyone’s favorite. Students are encouraged to arrive in their comfiest Christmas pajamas for a bit of relaxation before exams begin the following week.

Although the school calendar appears different this year, the change was made with the best interest of the students. The decision for winter break to be held post-exams allows for new beginnings at the start of the new year, as well as less stress and studying during the holiday. The Titans have had a very successful and event-packed first semester, and it will only continue to get better after their well-deserved break.